The Government has outlined its aspiration for at least 50% of new Ministerial appointments to the boards of public bodies to be women by the end of the current Parliament. In order to make this aspiration a reality, Chairs of public bodies need to play their full part.

As well as the challenges, this session will focus on the practical things that Chairs can do to help to improve the balance of women and men on boards of public bodies. The issues will be put into the context of overall board diversity. 

We will be joined by Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform, Ruth Medd, Founder of Women on Boards, a successful Australian social enterprise recently launched in the UK and Anne Watts CBE, Chair of the Appointments Commission. Denise Keating, Chief Executive of the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion, will act as first respondent, leading into a wider discussion and debate with Chairs.

Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service, is now confirmed to speak at the PCF’s first annual conference. He will join other top speakers from government to consider themes such as transitions, effective relationships between ALBs and Departments, accountability in public bodies and new models for service delivery. You can download a copy of the programme here.