Fidelio Board Breakfast – ‘Achieving Diversity’ with Ian Iceton, HR Director, Network Rail, 8 June 2016
The link between corporate performance and diversity at the top table is recognised. Enhanced decision-making and avoidance of ‘group think’ are commonly cited as reasons why companies with diverse leadership teams perform better, as well as better stakeholder engagement. But for several key sectors, including engineering, technology and financial services, the pipeline of senior female executives remains weak and has structural gaps.
As a Board Development and Executive Search consultancy with a track record in promoting diversity, Fidelio recognises the challenge. We work with Chairmen and CEOs to understand the diversity of skills and experience required at the top table, and through Search and Development ensure our clients have access to the diversity of talent that is vital to their success. Our flagship “A Seat at the Table” development programme for senior female executives has met with acclaim.
We are delighted when companies, especially in the above sectors, move the needle on diversity and are launching a series of breakfasts to focus not on the obstacles but the progress that is being made in “Achieving Diversity” at the top table.
As such we were pleased to welcome Ian Iceton, Group HR Director, Network Rail, as the guest speaker at a Fidelio Board breakfast. Network Rail is Britain’s largest engineering company and has three female Non-Executive Directors but importantly also has three female members of the Executive Committee, including in key technical roles. With a focus on the critical executive layer, Ian explored practical steps that Network Rail is taking in ‘Achieving Diversity’.
In particular, Ian addressed the following questions:
- What are the specific challenges facing Network Rail in achieving diversity?
- As an engineering company, what practical steps has Network Rail taken that have achieved greater diversity?
- Are there recommendations for companies struggling with gender balance including in leadership roles, be it in engineering or sectors with a lower ratio of women such as investment banking?
The Board breakfast was by invitation only and was attended by Non-Executive and Executive Directors from a range of sectors and geographies.
It took place on Wednesday 8th June at Villandry St James, 12 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AU.