Laura Sharman 04 November 2019

Men dominate top table at combined authorities, research warns

Only one in five with a vote at the top table in combined authorities are women, new research has found.

A new report from the Fawcett Society has found women make up just 21% of all members of the boards of combined authorities.

Some boards have as few as one in 10 female members and not one of the eight Metro Mayors are women, according to the findings.

Gemma Rosenblatt, Fawcett Society head of policy and campaigns, said: 'Devolution is looking like old politics not new – with power in the hands of men. All eight ‘Metro Mayors’ are men. And men make up four-fifths of those at the top table.

'Devolution still presents an opportunity – but only if big changes are made to bring women in. If devolution fails to engage with half the population, it risks the success of the whole project.'

The report calls for councils to introduce opposite-gender assistant cabinet members and for Women’s Commissions to be set up in each area to scrutinise policy.

It also wants the Government to ensure all combined authorities are gender-equal.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing Manager

Essex County Council
Up to £20.60 per hour
Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleansing Operative Manager Full-Time, Temporary*37 Hours per Week£20.60 per hour* Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Care

Bolton Cares
£81,974
Bolton Cares is entering an exciting new chapter and we’re looking for a visionary leader to help shape it. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Asset Investment & Growth

Bournville Village Trust
£115,000
A new chapter in a legacy that’s over 125 years in the making. Bournville, Birmingham
Recuriter: Bournville Village Trust

Assistant Director – Integrated Commissioning and Contracts

Suffolk County Council
£85,289 - £102,448 per annum
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Assistant Director Suffolk
Recuriter: Suffolk County Council
Linkedin Banner