WOMEN’S Enterprise Scotland (WES) has launched a new initiative aimed boosting leadership skills in the technology sector.

The WES100 programme is part of the organisation’s wider efforts to increase the number of women who hold senior positions and promote greater gender diversity on company boards.

Its first event, which will be hosted by law firm Dentons at its offices on Glasgow ‘s George Square next week, will see 20 women currently working in technology undertake four training sessions delivered over nine months.

The training, which will be supplemented by digital-based support, will focus on leadership and boardroom insight, with those taking part tasked with sharing what they have learned with their workplace colleagues.

Professor Lynne Cadenhead, chairman of WES, said: “Research consistently shows that gender-balanced boards and senior leadership teams produce better business results. Yet just 10 per cent of senior managers in science, engineering and technology are women.

“We are delighted to welcome our first participants in the WES100 programme who will gain new leadership skills and have the opportunity to apply those skills in the workplace by leading round table discussions.

“There will also be opportunities for participants to gain a board role and apply their new skills in that way.”

Ms Cadenhead added: “Active change is needed so that we can all reap the economic and social benefits which gender balanced boards bring.”