International Women’s Day gives organisations an opportunity to reflect on progress and the work required to build fair, resilient and future-ready leadership structures. Governance sits at the heart of that conversation. At KCB, 81% of all of students identify as women. This is a figure we are incredibly proud of because we are committed to supporting the next generation of women leading corporate governance effectively and efficiently.
Recent insights from the FTSE Women Leaders Review indicate meaningful progress alongside areas where gender representation remains uneven. According to the FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now hold 43% of board positions across the FTSE 350, and account for 57% of Company Secretary roles. This signifies a positive shift in gender diversity strengthening the foundations of UK governance. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in the most influential executive roles, with the FTSE Women Leaders Review reporting that women hold just 8% of CEO positions in the FTSE 350.
A wide body of governance research suggests that boards with diverse perspectives tend to make stronger decisions, exercise more effective oversight, and deliver improved organisational performance. When a range of perspectives is present at the table, governance becomes more innovative and more attuned to risk. Effective governance depends on leaders who can navigate complexity, build trust, and make confident, well‑informed decisions. That requires widening the lens through which leadership potential is identified and developed. The FTSE Women Leaders Review also recommend that companies aim to appoint at least one woman in the in the key positions on the board, such as Chair, CEO, Financial Director, or Senior Independent Director, and emphasises the impact these roles have on strategy, culture and organisational change.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that representation is far more than a compliance exercise, but a strategic asset that shapes organisational resilience and credibility. The organisations that thrive will be those that build leadership teams reflective of the world they serve.
For women aspiring to step into these roles, now is the time to invest in your governance journey. Our programmes are designed to build confidence, capability, and the strategic insight needed to lead with impact. We want to help empower you to shape the future of governance.