A response to the Breaking Down Barriers to Accountancy report

In response to the launch of the Purpose Coalition’s initiative and Breaking Down Barriers to Accountancy report, Mark Pavlides, Chair, Access Accountancy said:

“I welcome the launch of the Breaking Down Barriers to Accountancy report, which highlights some of the great work already being done by medium sized firms and higher education institutions, within the accountancy sector.

“The report is right to highlight socio-economic backgrounds as significant barriers to access and progression in many professions, including our own. I’m really encouraged when speaking to firms and organisations, that they understand the value this brings and are starting to make great improvements in these areas. And I would encourage employers of all shapes and sizes to read the report and commit to implementing additional measures that the report recommends. Offering work experience to disadvantaged students, reducing bias in recruitment processes or collecting data to target actions and monitor their effectiveness, are all great places to start.

“I was pleased to see that collaboration between organisations is a key theme of the report. Access Accountancy works with 32 major organisations and bodies in the sector who are committed to improving opportunities for those from low socio-economic backgrounds.

“Our aim is to build on the momentum this report creates and welcome more organisations, who are willing to commit to long term social mobility. The more voices who join us to move this forward, the better in my view, to drive meaningful progress, and continue to open doors in becoming a more diverse and stronger accountancy profession.”

I would encourage employers of all shapes and sizes to read the report and commit to implementing additional measures that the report recommends. Offering work experience to disadvantaged students, reducing bias in recruitment processes or collecting data to target actions and monitor their effectiveness, are all great places to start.”

If you would like further information and guidance on how to improve social mobility in your organisation, please get in touch.