Diversity on the rise

The boards of FTSE companies are becoming more ethnically diverse, according to a study by Thomson Reuters that shows two-thirds of FTSE 350 companies have at least one BAME board member, up from 45% in 2021, while 84% of FTSE 100 boards have a BAME member.

The study also found an increase in gender diversity at board level, with 40% of FTSE 100 directorships held by women, up from 39% in 2021 and 35% in 2020. Each FTSE 100 company now has at least two women board members, while 13 boards are at least 50% women.

“Studies have shown that companies which have more diverse representation at board level outperform less diverse competitors,” said Amanda Cantwell, senior editor at Thomson Reuters. “FTSE companies have made considerable progress in improving diversity at board level.”