Proposals to force public bodies to have gender-equal boards out for consultation

Proposals that would see public bodies forced to have equal numbers of men and women on their boards would help to “shatter the glass ceiling once and for all”.

Speaking at the launch of a consultation on the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: “Despite making up 51 per cent of the population, women continue to be under-represented in public life.

“In a new year, with new powers, this bill is a significant step forward in making sure this position changes, and that women are properly represented in senior and decision-making positions across Scotland, helping to shatter the glass ceiling once and for all.”

The bill sets a goal for gender balance in non-executive membership of public boards, requiring action to be taken to achieve this. It also requires public organisations to encourage applications from the under-represented gender.

By signing up to the Scottish government’s 50/50 by 2020 pledge, 191 public bodies, third sector organisations and private companies have pledged to seek gender balance on boards.

Ms Constance added: “Real progress has been made over the last parliamentary term to improve the gender balance of Ministerial appointments to public boards, but we won’t rest on our laurels. We must ensure that we maintain the progress that has been made and keep moving forward.

“Not only is this a matter of equality and fairness but there is strong evidence to suggest that better balanced boards perform better too, making best use of all the talents at their fingertips.”