If UK plc is to avoid a rude interventionist rap on the knuckles, it would do well to heed the latest findings from Cranfield University, warning that unless momentum picks up in the appointment of women into senior executive roles, the government will bring in quotas to forcibly effect change.

The sheer drop in the rate of appointments over the last six months – to 26% from 44%, for FTSE 100 board appointments going to women, and 29% from 36%, for FTSE 250 appointments – may mean quotas can still be introduced.