Top UK companies seem to be leading the way for gender equality in boardrooms, with women occupying nearly 43% of roles on company boards according to new government research.

The FTSE Women Leaders Review report for 2025, backed by the government and sponsored by sector giants Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP, shows that women now occupy 1,275 or 43% of roles on company boards and 6,743 (35%) of leadership roles at the 350 FTSE companies.

This marks a year-on-year increase and means the target of 40% women’s representation by the end of this year continues to be achieved by FTSE350 businesses.

The results of this review show the progress being made to break down barriers to opportunity at the highest levels, within some of the most innovative and important companies in the UK.

Delivering equal opportunities for women is at the heart of the government’s growth mission as part of the Plan for Change, by ensuring they have fair access to a stable, well-paid jobs which will also help drive up living standards.

But the government recognises there is still more to do to bring more women into roles such as company Chairs and CEOs and to increase the number of women on boards and in leadership who hold executive roles.

The government will work with FTSE companies and other organisations to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential based on their talent.

“The UK is leading the charge for gender equality in boardrooms, but we cannot rest on our laurels,” chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves said.

“We must break down the barriers that stop many women being represented in decision-making roles, so that top talent reaches the highest levels of leadership in businesses driving economic growth across Britain.”

The UK comes second only to France in the G7 in terms of boardroom gender equality, with 43.4% compared to 45.4% in France.

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Whilst France and other countries use quotas, the level of gender parity reached in the UK was done so voluntarily.

“In an increasingly disruptive world in which companies are faced with a combination of economic, geo-political and technological change British businesses are setting an international standard for balanced and inclusive leadership,” Vivienne Artz, CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, said.

“With its unique Government-backed and business-led voluntary approach, the UK has spearheaded a world-leading transformation in the highest ranks of industry. Whilst FTSE 350 company boards are now gender-balanced, sustained effort and determination is required to achieve the 40% target for women in leadership by the end of this year.

“We look forward to working with businesses to deliver on this ambition.”