Executive Search Voluntary Code of Conduct

Working to improve diversity in the boardrooms of British businesses and beyond

We are recognised in the Enhanced Code segment for our work with FTSE350 businesses.

FTSE 350 gender diversity statistics 2022

Again, this year, we have excelled in our appointments of women to FTSE 350 boards. This includes executive (16%) and non-executive (84%) appointments.

Women made up 57% of shortlists
60% of appointees were women
An amazing 4 in 5 (eg 80%) of the women we helped introduce to a FTSE350 board were new to that community

Our initiatives to support and develop a diverse talent pipeline

We continue to support initiatives to help expand our knowledge of and exposure to aspiring board directors:

We provide training and development seminars for non-executives in conjunction with the Financial Times Non-Executive Directors’ Club. These events and programmes ensure we remain in touch with the ‘next generation’ of board members.
We sponsor the Next Generation NED Network, an initiative organised by Simmons & Simmons aimed at high-potential executives who are considering becoming non-executive directors.
Our sector and functional practices host events targeted at talented executives who have the potential to progress into executive and non-executive board roles.
We have created and run a mentoring programme to champion diverse future leaders for the procurement function. This is a multi-faceted, year-long programme aimed at mid-to-senior level career female professionals (mentees) and experienced CPOs (mentors).

NED Case study

The client

FTSE 250 international extractives group

The brief

The candidate would be appointed as Audit Committee Chair on joining the board. Accordingly, we sought suitably qualified individuals, with recent and relevant financial experience. Given the seniority of the role, individuals needed to come with significant board experience. Additionally, insight into the sector, and the group’s operational geography were highly desirable.

The search strategy

Sector: research conducted across the extractives and other relevant sectors
Relevant functions: current and former finance directors
Other relevant candidate pools: former audit partners
Experience sought: individuals with international experience, relevant financial experience combined with board experience

Research and candidate identification was supported by our international network, notably the Americas.

The successful candidate

A broad range of profiles were longlisted, with international and board experience from across a range of relevant sectors. The successful candidate was based in the United States. She had had significant board experience in the US, but not previously served on a UK plc board. A former international finance director, she also had experience of the extractives sector from within her background.

The successful candidate was appointed following detailed reference taking, interviews with Odgers Berndtson and subsequent interviews with the Chair, SID, CEO, CFO and other members of the board.

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