Scottish law aims for gender balance


Scotland has become the first country in the UK with a statutory gender representation objective for public boards.


The Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.


The new law sets an objective for public boards that 50% of non-executive members are women by the end of 2022. It also requires action to encourage women to apply to become non-executive members of public boards.


Organisations with the remit to have an equal balance of men and women in the top jobs include colleges, universities and some public bodies including health boards, enterprise agencies, the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.


Equalities secretary Angela Constance said: “Over the last decade the numbers of women on public boards has risen from 35% to 45%, and last year saw more women than men appointed. But this progress doesn’t just happen by accident. It has been achieved through the shared ambition and action of all of those involved." The new law will ensure that progress doesn’t slip back.


https://news.gov.scot/news/gender-balanced-public-boards