NEW Government guidelines are set to help companies improve performance by picking more women and employees from diverse backgrounds for top jobs.

A publication, called Building Better Boards, has been produced with help from the Institute of Directors (IoD).

It heralds the beginning of the end of the "old boys" network, claims the chairman of the IoD Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch, Michael Foote.

Mr Foote, who is managing director of two Hampshire manufacturing companies, said: "It's a best practice guide that reminds us that companies must be prepared to look across the whole range of talented people to find the very best, and it shows individuals how they can put themselves forward for boardroom appointments."

Mr Foote is one of the few directors who have qualified through the Institute of Directors to put "C.Dir" after his name.

The qualification is awarded after stringent examination to establish competence in world-class business leadership. Currently, 300 directors have qualified.

Mr Foote says that it will, eventually, have to be on the CV of all who seek boardroom appointments.