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There does need to be positive discrimination. Look at the number of women, for example, in FD roles in the North West and Yorkshire. Also, how many women are invited to go on fast track programmes. The intake of graduates into management roles is roughly even or a higher level of women yet they are overlooked. I don't believe this is all due to maternity leave and the stats support that. I do believe it's due to an old fashioned culture in the north that thinks men and the style that men tend to adopt is the right one. This behaviour will continue as boards consist of elderly males becoming chairs, non execs, FDs and CEOs. Something has to change or culture will win and the NHS will be poorer for it.