“I’m driven by a deep commitment to social mobility, shaped by both my professional journey and personal experiences. Growing up in a low-income family, I was the first in my family to attend university. Navigating the corporate world as a young person without any career guidance or personal network was challenging, and these experiences have fuelled my passion for making accountancy accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
“As a Trustee for Access Accountancy, I hope to address key challenges in the profession, particularly post-recruitment progression. Progression often hinges on informal networking and advocacy from senior figures—a system that can exclude those from less-advantaged backgrounds. The development of soft skills is frequently overlooked amidst work and study pressures, additionally the financial burden of continuous professional development (CPD) can often be a barrier to career progress, especially post-qualification.
“In my role as Head of Accountancy and Tax Curriculum at Kaplan I engage with thousands of students and employers of all sizes, this gives me an insight into emerging trends in accountancy and evolving professional requirements. It’s crucial to use this knowledge and share best practices around social mobility with a wide range of employers, across industries and regions.
“For employers looking to improve and support social mobility, my advice would be:
- Engage with social mobility alongside other diversity initiatives. It’s crucial to integrate these efforts to create a more inclusive environment.
- Take small steps by supporting successful programmes like ICAEW’s RISE. These initiatives are already making a difference and can be a great starting point.
- Remember that social mobility is everyone’s responsibility. Collaboration is key; many hands make light work.
“By working together, we can redefine the accountancy profession to be more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their starting point.”