The report also showed that number of national governing bodies (NGBs) with less than a quarter of women on their Boards is now 49 per cent, compared to 55 per cent in 2009.

Last year, Sport England, included an expectation in its governance guidelines for NGBs that their boards should comprise at least 25 per cent women by 2017 (or men, where they currently form an under-represented group).

However, today’s report shows that just 23 of 45 NGBs surveyed currently meet this target and the number of women in the most senior leadership roles is also low with just over 10 per cent acting as Chairs and only a third in Chief Executive positions.

Sport England Chief Executive, Jennie Price, said: “The latest figures from WSFF show we are making progress, but there is much more to do. There is no shortage of excellent female candidates, and where sports have appointed women to their Boards, they are making a significant contribution. I strongly urge those NGBs that have not reached the 25 per cent threshold to take steps to do so before 2017.”

Key statistics:

• There are 123 women on the boards of NGBs, an increase from 23 per cent in 2013 to 27 per cent.
• 10 of the 45 NGBs audited now have female Chief Executives, up from eight in 2013.
• Across the four senior roles surveyed, an average of just 21 per cent of these are held by women.
• Only 15 NGBs have a female Development Director (down from 18 last year) and just eight employ a female Performance Director.

To see the full report click here