Progress towards gender balance in the UK energy sector has stalled and in some areas reversed, according to new analysis from POWERful Women.
The Annual State of the Nation 2026 report shows female representation on the boards of the UK’s top 100 energy companies has edged up to 31% from 30% last year.
However, 22 boards removed at least one woman in the past 12 months, up from just five the previous year, and the number of all-male boards has risen from 12 to 13.
The report highlights a growing disconnect between pipeline progress and board appointments.
Female representation at leadership level has increased to 36%, with the number of companies meeting the 40% leadership target rising from eight to 14. Yet this has not translated into improved board representation, suggesting barriers now exist at the point of appointment to the most senior roles.
Monica Collings OBE, Chair of POWERful Women, said: “This is a wake-up call. With four years to go to our 2030 target, the sector must act now to remove the barriers that prevent women from progressing into the most senior roles and to build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline for the future.”
Key operational roles have seen declines. CFO representation has fallen to 15%, down three percentage points, while COO representation has dropped to 13%, down four percentage points. These are the roles most commonly associated with progression to chief executive positions.
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