The European Commission (EC) is being urged not to be too narrow in its thinking when it comes to addressing the gender imbalance on corporate boards throughout Europe and to consider progress made in the UK and Norway.

The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA) – an apolitical UK body representing 6,000 employment lawyers which campaigns for reform to make employment law clearer and more workable for employers and employees – believes Europe is standing on the threshold of real change which could have far-reaching beneficial effects. But success will only come if a more widely-drawn, customised-by-country approach is taken rather than imposition of “one-size-fits-all” measures. Responding direct to the EC’s Public Consultation on Gender imbalance in corporate boards in the EU and to a Call for Evidence from the House of Lords’ Select Committee on the European Union sub-committee on the same consultation, ELA also says action needs to comprise a mix of regulatory and self-regulatory measures. It should not just be directed at corporates but should also embrace all areas of the public sector, including charities, where women may be significantly underrepresented.

While the UK has been making progress, the House of Lords’ Call for Evidence has been made to examine the case for European intervention in this area. Brona Reeves, who chaired the ELA Legislative and Policy sub-committee which responded to the EC consultation, said: “The issue of gender at board level can be seen as part of a wider issue relating to the representation of women at senior levels in all organisations and, in particular, how economies best support the ability of everyone to take roles that best optimise their skills and experience. This in turn will support our economies, as we allow everyone to achieve their potential.”

On what approach should be taken, Brona Reeves, said: “ELA felt that both self-regulatory and regulatory approaches should be considered as part of the overall solution, especially given the timescales involved in implementing new regulatory measures.” ELA noted that both the UK and Norway had seen success from self-regulatory initiatives.“The Commission faces a challenge in the breadth of experience of different EU Member States which raises a question over whether a ‘one-size-fits- all’ approach is appropriate,” added Reeves. “This is true not just with regard to countries but also companies of different size, as well as in relation to executive and non-executive roles. Real progress is most likely to be achieved by having a single vision and aim but developing tailored routes to achieving that end on a country and company-size basis.”