Gender Diversity

Chairman’s statement on diversity (26 September 2011)

At Tesco, we are proud to be a diverse business and we have always valued the benefits which diversity brings. Developing a more inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities in which we do business supports our stated strategic priority to build a team to create more value than any other.

We have made significant progress in recent years in developing and bringing through senior women.  In the last four years (since 2007), the number of female directors at Tesco has increased by 42, an increase of nearly 70%, and we are working hard to help women succeed in senior roles more generally throughout the company. There are currently three women on our PLC Board (19%) and women in senior management positions account for 29% across the Group as a whole.

We accept the spirit, and will work towards the aspirations of the Davies Report, including the representation of women at the highest levels in the organisation. We aim to continue to increase the proportion of women on our Board and at our Executive Committee and will work towards an aspiration of 25% on our PLC Board by 2015, subject to the availability of candidates with the right skills and experience.

CEO’s statement on diversity (26 September 2011)

Mervyn Davies' report has rightly made the headlines for its conclusion that more women should serve on UK plc boards. I commend him for the quality of his research and for his recommendations. Developing talent at every level in the organisation has always been a core value for Tesco. The fact that women represent 60% of our workforce in the UK gives us a real opportunity to develop female leaders.

 At Tesco I believe the focus must remain firmly on understanding what it takes to develop women and to retain them in senior positions, and to help all of us create the necessary conditions both at home and overseas. Senior roles are very demanding for all - regardless of gender - and I am determined to develop a culture and an environment where our people can advance whilst having the time to be good parents, partners and active members of their local community. We are totally committed to showing increased percentages of female leadership, explaining our progress and sharing our experience.