§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister for Women what measures she intends to take to encourage the promotion of women into(a) the board of FTSE 100 companies and (b) senior positions in trade unions; and if she will make a statement. [98059]
§ Ms HewittI have welcomed Derek Higgs' proposals on how to widen the pool from which non-executive directors are drawn, which could bring more women into the boardroom. Derek Higgs made proposals for a more rigorous, fair and open appointment process. Subject to consultation on the detailed wording, the Financial Reporting Council intends to put the changes412W to the Combined Code into effect on 1 July. A small group of business leaders and others, led by Professor Laura Tyson of the London Business School, is also being set up to bring to greater prominence candidates, including women, from the non-commercial sector.
The Women and Equality Unit and TUC held a joint event in November 2002 which aimed at encouraging trade union women to apply for public appointments. This was part of a wider strategy to encourage women to see that they have the skills and confidence necessary to apply for senior positions in public life more generally, including within their own unions.
I welcome the appointment in January of Frances O'Grady to the position of Deputy General Secretary of the TUC—the first time that a woman has been appointed to this position; and the appointment of Kay Carberry as Assistant General Secretary of the TUC, again the first time a woman has been appointed to this position.