"HSBC's UK business sets target to appoint women to 50% of senior management roles", 25 Nov 2015

HSBC’s UK arm has committed to appointing women to 50% of its senior management roles. The goal…goes beyond similar initiatives unveiled by other large corporations and the 33% quota Lord Davies outlined for FTSE 350 boards in his final report on gender equality. HSBC UK said its workforce is currently 54% female, but women remain “significantly underrepresented at a senior management level”. That reflects a wider trend in financial services and major UK companies – only 21% of senior manager roles at FTSE 100 banks are held by women, according to the British Bankers’ Association…“Our aspiration is to achieve gender parity at all levels of the bank and to create a true meritocracy where everyone has the opportunity to develop their career, regardless of their background, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity or beliefs.” [said Antonio Simoes, HSBC UK’s chief executive]...The lender outlined a number of strategies to reach its target, including a programme to support women returning to work after caring for children and 'name blind' CV screening…[Also refers to Accenture]