Leading companies are failing to tackle gender diversity at board level, experts warn. That's despite a government deadline demanding they publish proposals to boost the number of female board members. In February Lord Davies called on FTSE 350 companies to achieve "urgent change" and announce aspirational goals within the next six months…but while figures from FTSE 100 firms point to positive action, outside the main blue chip index the response appears less favourable. Anecdotal evidence suggests there still remains resistance to falling into line with Davies's call for firms to aim for a minimum of 25 per cent female representation on boards by 2015…excuses used by some members of the FTSE 350 are believed to include that their industry is too specialised and has too few women in it. Or some claim their boards are too small to include women. [refers to Withers, M&S, Aviva]