WS Atkins aims for 33% female board by 2015

Engineering and design consultancy WS Atkins has unveiled plans which would see women comprise a third of its board members by 2015.

In response to Lord Davies of Abersoch’s call for companies to publish their goals in this area, Atkins chairman Allan Cook said:

“Our board believes in the benefits of greater gender diversity and is actively supportive of measures to achieve this without putting quotas in place. Indeed, women currently account for 22% of our board. Our focus will remain on attracting the right talent and skills irrespective of gender or ethnicity.”

The board has approved proposals by each of the group’s regional management teams to achieve greater diversity in senior management and technical roles.  

Atkins will outline progress each year as part of its annual report.