“As the UK Lead for ESG and ED&I at Grant Thornton UK LLP, fostering a culture of everyday inclusion and enhancing the attraction and retention of diverse talent is deeply important to me. Since 2017, I’ve spearheaded social mobility initiatives within the firm, positioning us as a founding signatory of Access Accountancy. Our efforts have consistently placed us in the top ten of the Social Mobility Index, currently ranking third (2025). At Grant Thornton, we’ve facilitated work experience placements for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, whilst working to understand the impact on both the students and our workforce. This journey naturally led me to become a trustee for Access Accountancy.
My passion for improving social mobility is rooted in personal experience. Growing up in the North East of England, I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by those with limited access to career opportunities. This knowledge and understanding fuels my dedication to creating inclusive environments and advocating for equity. I thrive on coaching and fostering leadership behaviours that enable individuals to excel.
Beyond my professional role, I serve on the board of Lord Taverner’s, a cricket charity supporting disabled and socio-economically disadvantaged young people. I also contribute to the London Taskforce for Social Mobility and mentor young people through charities like the Open Private School and the Amos Bursary.
In the accounting profession, I see several challenges that need addressing to support those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programmes, particularly in high-demand areas like digital readiness, is crucial. At the same time financial literacy education can empower individuals to manage their finances effectively, also paid internships offer valuable experience without financial strain. Mentoring programmes and networking events which connect individuals to industry professionals for guidance and support are vital tools that need embedding across the sector to address these access challenges.
Through Access Accountancy, Grant Thornton enhances opportunities across the profession, our strategy focuses on Getting In, Getting On, and Belonging, with Access Accountancy plays a vital role in that initial step. Together, we can make a significant impact on society and the profession.
For employers looking to improve social mobility my advice would be:
- Start with honest self-reflection on current practices
- Consider the inclusivity of your culture
- Collaborate with community organisations to create employment pathways
- Ensure your strategy is data-driven, governed robustly, and includes realistic measures to track progress.
The benefits of thinking differently are huge for business innovation.”