I am very committed to improvements in gender balance across State Boards, and my Department has recently taken steps to further such improvements. In September 2020 I launched the Annex on Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. This Annex sets out measures designed to enhance diversity on State Boards; specifically it provides for:
- New reporting measures designed to provide greater transparency around boards which have not reached appropriate levels of gender balance.
- Reporting on the measures being taken to reach the 40% target.
- The relevant Minister to be informed of the gender balance on State Boards at the time of making further appointments.
- Each State Board to report annually on its progress in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within their organisation.
- Board evaluation processes to be expanded to consider issues around gender diversity as a means of enhancing Board effectiveness.
- Board terms to be varied to allow for an acceleration towards better gender balance in membership.
My Department will continue to monitor trends in gender diversity across State Boards, and I expect that this Annex will further strengthen gender diversity.
This commitment to achieving greater levels of gender balance is also reflected in the membership of State Boards under the aegis of my Department. The Public Appointments Board has a gender balance which is 56% female and 44% male, while the membership of the National Shared Services Office Advisory Board is currently 60% male and 40% female. Achieving and maintaining gender balance is given due consideration when vacancies arise.
In terms of the reservation of places for appropriately qualified private sector individuals for boards, or policy groups or agencies, the approach at present is to use the State Boards model. This model sets out that all appointments should be advertised openly on the State Boards portal operated by the Public Appointments Service. Using this model helps to facilitate wide representation on the boards of State Bodies, from the private and public sectors. This will also include individuals from the charitable sector, as well as those retired from full time occupations, in applying for State Board positions. My Department will continue to monitor trends in this regard, to ensure diversity of representation on such boards. While appointments to the State Boards must reflect a number of specific criteria set out in legislation, applications are welcome from all individuals who believe they have the relevant skills and experience for vacancies as they arise.
