Openwork urges industry to tackle female adviser gap

Industry estimates show that just 11% of advisers are female. Openwork says it is working to address the gender gap at its own business with a review of recruitment and promotion practices, as well as launching a leadership development programme to support women.

Claire Oldstein, Openwork’s marketing director, said: “Women are hugely under-represented in the UK advice community with industry estimates that just 11% of advisers are female.

“The financial services industry needs to address the issue of women missing out not just on jobs as advisers but also on senior leadership positions. The progress made by the Treasury Select Committee’s Women in Finance inquiry is very welcome but change needs to accelerate.

“Openwork’s Inspiring Women in Financial Services conference has been an important step in focusing on gender distribution in financial services. In 2019 we aim to turn up the volume on this issue and campaign with our partners to focus on gender imbalances.

“At Openwork we have already taken measures to tackle under-representation; reviewing recruitment and internal promotion practices, becoming a member of the Women in Finance Charter, encouraging flexible working, and delivering a leadership development programme to provide the skills needed for senior management roles.”