Women missing out on top Northern Powerhouse jobs
Research from the Fawcett Society found women were being under-represented in senior positions.
A women's equality group says women are missing out on the top leadership positions within the government's Northern Powerhouse plans.
New research by the Fawcett Society found despite 40% of councillors in the Northern Powerhouse region being women, the most senior roles are dominated by men.
Women make up just 28% of those in leadership roles in the combined authorities.
The Tees Valley Combined Authority is the only one of out of its seven counterparts to have a female leader.
Some North East councils have been praised for high representation.
North Tyneside Council acheived a near 50:50 representation.
Commenting Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society said:
“The truth is, whether we intend to or not, we are devolving power from women to men by establishing new structures for local government with no regard for gender equality or diversity.
“We know that 75% of local government employees are women and women are disproportionately dependent on local services. Women’s representation matters but at the moment the Northern Powerhouse risks becoming just another boys’ club.
“Devolution is a one off opportunity to put gender equality at the heart of our country’s growth. But so far we’re missing out. Let’s get women into those leadership positions and avoid making the same old mistakes. There’s still time for new combined authorities to learn the lessons of the Northern Powerhouse”
Lauren Lucas, Head of Projects, Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), said:
“The diversity of leadership across local government is simply not good enough. We see this very clearly as the prominent voices around the devolution agenda continue to emerge.
“The Commission's work is vital at this stage to ensure that women's voices are included in these essential debates that have such a huge impact on women's lives. It's not just about women at the top. It's about developing a pipeline of women leaders across local government to ensure that their voices are adequately represented at all levels."
Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:
“I am very proud of the fact that for the first time in the city’s history, Leeds City Council now has more women than men in senior political roles and overall in the Labour group there are now more women councillors than men. The days of there being any kind of glass ceiling or boys’ club ethos in top jobs need to be very much consigned to history. There is clearly progress being made but much more needs to be done so that we can reach the stage where gender equality and diversity are fully accepted in every walk of life and we are simply talking about the best person to do the job.”