A new report shows the non-executive director pay gap has fallen to just 0.5 percent, while the gap for board chairs is also significantly lower.The survey by Strategic Pay showed female non-executive directors earned median fees of $55,433 dollars, $290 lower than their male counterparts.The 0.5 percent gap was significantly lower than the near 6 percent gap last year.The gender gap for non-executive chairs has reduced from 18 percent to 8 percent.Female non-executive chairs earned median fees of $90,000, compared to $98,004 for males.The annual survey analysed 382 organisations, covering 329 chairs and 1648 directors."While gaps still remain at chair level, the movement among non-executive directors represents a notable step toward greater fee equity," Strategic Pay managing director Cathy Hendry said.Hendry said growth in public sector fees was probably the key driver, as public sector fees were stagnant for a long time.She said the increases in the public sector were "overdue".Strategic Pay's report said public sector director fees increased by around 9 percent over the past year, while private sector fees declined by almost 3 percent.The report said it was particularly relevant as public sector boards historically had stronger female representation than private sector boards, meaning the previous fee disparity may have disproportionately affected female directors."Public sector organisations have generally experienced greater stability over recent years, while many private sector organisations have continued operating in a constrained economic environment," she said."That difference is beginning to show in board fee movements," Hendry said.