The Colour of Power is a visual depiction of the diversity composition of Britain’s most powerful decision makers across the public and private sectors. Scrolling through the faces in the index, it is immediately evident that our nation’s leaders are predominately male and white and when viewed in the context of our population at 51% female and 13% ethnic minority, it is clear that those who hold the power are not representative of the diversity of the people they serve.
More alarming still is that despite increased public and shareholder pressure to address the lack of diversity at our top levels, when we compare the findings of this year’s survey with that of 2017, there has been barely any change:
- Out of 1097 roles, only 51 (4. 7%) are ethnic minorities. This is a 2 percentile point increase in three years (15 people).
- Of the 39 departments categorized, 15 (38.5%) had no ethnic minority representation.
- Ethnic minority females account for only 10 roles out of 1097 (0.9%). Out of these only 2 are black females (0.2%).
- A total of just 16 roles are held by black males and females accounting for 5% of the total roles.
- 5 out of 39 categories have seen a reduction in ethnic minority held roles. CEO’s of Media Agencies have seen the biggest loss, going from 2 ethnic minority members out of 10 (20%) to 0.
- CEOs of NHS Trusts, Leaders of Unitary Authority Councils, CEOs of Public Bodies, and CEOs of Top Charities have also all seen a reduction in ethnic minority representation with the loss of 1 member each.
- 21 out of 39 categories (54%) have seen no change in the number of ethnic minority members.
- Both CEO’s of London Borough Councils and Government Ministers have increased their ethnic minority members by 3.
- Out of 1097 roles, only 286 (26.1%) are female. This is only a 5 percentile point increase in three years (47 people).
- Of the 39 departments categorised, 2 (5%) had no female representation.