MSPs set to force new diversity target on public bodies
PUBLIC sector bodies would be legally obliged to encourage diversity on their boards under new laws proposed by MSPs.
Holyrood’s equalities committee will today publish a report backing legislation introduced by the SNP Government to force quangos, universities and other public bodies to move towards a 50/50 gender split on their boards.
But the committee said it is concerned that the move could hinder attempts to make boards more diverse in other areas, such as gay and disabled people or ethnic minorities.
It said the issue ‘requires further thought and may perhaps require another legislative vehicle in the future’.
The suggestion raises the possibility that MSPs could push for boards to have to meet further quotas for underrepresented groups. A spokesman for the Scottish Tories said: ‘While we agree gender balance needs to be achieved, we do not support quotas.
‘The root cause of these problems should be tackled, instead of the SNP and Labour approach of imposing artificial limits.
‘Such quotas only benefit a handful of women, and do nothing to help the wider cause of gender equality.’
The new legislation forcing public boards to make progress towards 50/50 gender equality in their boards was supported by all members of the equalities committee apart from the two Conservative MSPs.
The Bill as drafted sets a ‘gender representation objective’ for public boards to have 50 per cent women non-executive members by 2022.
It also allows employers to give preference to the candidate who would help a board achieve its gender representation objective in cases where male and female candidates are equally qualified.
Committee convener Christina McKelvie said: ‘A majority of the committee support putting in legal measures to protect and embed the progress so far made towards gender equality on public boards. We heard convincing evidence as we looked at this Bill that persuaded us that this proposed law will be a useful tool in creating a more equal Scotland.’
Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon yesterday announced a group has been set up to advise the Scottish Government on issues of gender inequality.
The advisory council on women and girls will be chaired by Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot. The panel will include representatives from charities, government and business as well as three members under the age of 20.
Its remit will be to raise awareness of gender inequality, champion policies to tackle the problem and speak out if progress is too slow.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘Inequality stops women from achieving their full potential, holds us back as a nation and damages the economy.
‘That is why we need more action and I have established this new group to offer a strong and challenging voice, helping us continue to achieve progress on the representation of women and girls.’
A Government spokesman said: ‘We will give full consideration to the committee’s report and recommendations and are grateful for the broad cross party support. We look forward to working together to ensure the Bill is as effective as it can be.’
‘Creating more equal Scotland’