Halma plc sets gender diversity target for global portfolio of companies

Halma plc is a FTSE 100 company made up of circa 50 SME engineering and technology businesses, each with their own Board of Directors. The new gender diversity target applies to more than 200 senior individuals operating across more than 20 countries.

The new target builds on significant progress at Halma plc’s Board and Executive Board levels, which today comprise 48% and 67% female representation respectively. At an individual company Board level, the figure is currently 23% on average.

The target forms part of Halma plc’s Sustainability Framework, itself announced earlier this year. This seeks to amplify Halma plc’s “positive impact on the world” and help to fulfil its purpose of growing a safer, cleaner and healthier future for everyone every day. As well as diversity, equity and inclusion, the Sustainability Framework includes a commitment on climate change and the circular economy.

Jennifer Ward, Halma Group’s talent and communications director, commented: “We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made in recent years in striving to achieve gender balance at the Group level. However, we want to challenge ourselves to do more and drive positive change across our entire portfolio of businesses around the world.”

Ward added: “We believe building inclusive businesses that reflect the communities in which we live and work is vital for achieving our purpose and accelerating the growth of our business.”

Improving gender diversity

Halma plc has already put in place initiatives to help its portfolio of companies improve their gender diversity. These include an inclusive leadership programme for all senior leaders, new talent acquisition practices to recruit and engage future female leaders in the STEM fields and flexible working practices aimed at attracting more women into the Halma plc businesses.

Halma plc has already begun to reap the benefits of its efforts to improve gender balance on its company Boards, with female representation increasing from 19% last year to 23% this year.

This year, Halma plc was recognised by the European Women on Boards as a gender diversity leader, finishing eighth out of 668 companies. Halma plc has also been an active member of the 30% Club since 2017, a membership organisation which campaigns for at least 30% of Board seats to be held by females.

*Read more about Halma plc’s Sustainability Framework online at https://www.halma.com/news/press-releases/2021/new-global-sustainability-targets