Diversity in the boardroom: Businesses need to take a ‘look in the mirror’

Businesses need to first take a ‘look in the mirror’ and implement real change before attempting to improve diversity on the board through external hires. That’s according to a new report from specialist recruitment firm, Robert Half.

According to the firm’s Boardroom Navigator 2023, half of private equity investors are raising awareness of the need for better diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at board level amongst their portfolio companies in a bid to improve diverse teams. Almost a third (32%) are also establishing a company-wide DEI program as more investors recognise the need for change.

Charlie Grubb, Managing Director Executive Search at Robert Half, explained:

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is a familiar issue to executive teams, however there hasn’t yet been an ideal reached for the majority – and quotas haven’t been the all-encompassing solution that they were seemingly believed to be. Addressing this issue requires a look inward first to understand themselves, their employees and hiring methods. Requests for diverse candidate shortlists won’t deliver results if the internal culture doesn’t reflect the end-goal.

“DEI is thankfully moving into the mainstream language of boardrooms and investors. But looking ahead there is still plenty of work for executive teams to do. By starting with themselves, being honest about what they find, and developing a long-term plan, they will be able to embrace the steps and experience needed to improve opportunities for everyone.”

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Press contact
Vickie Collinge
vickie@bluesky-pr.com
01582 790 700

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialised talent solutions consultancy, working to fill professional services roles at all levels within the finance and accounting, banking, technology, HR, marketing and legal sectors. The company has more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offers hiring and job search services at www.roberthalf.co.uk

Robert Half understands that it takes time and effort to evaluate the best talent strategy for different businesses. For further independent advice to assist with your recruitment and workforce planning efforts, visit www.roberthalf.co.uk/advice.