“ A vital area of success has been attracting those from a lower socio-economic background into the profession ”
agendas . Access Accountancy has brought on new signatories – including an NHS Trust – while ICAEW has joined forces with employers in pan-profession projects .
ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza was appointed to the City of London Social Mobility Taskforce which aims to improve representation of low socio-economic talent in finance at executive level . ICAEW is also the first professional body to sign-up to the 10000 Black Interns initiative , offering internships to students of Black Heritage across a number of business sectors over the next five years .
Sharon Spice , Director of Global Brand and Belonging at ICAEW and Chair of Access Accountancy , believes these initiatives mark the beginning of a longer journey . She said : “ We ’ ve taken great steps in building a more diverse and inclusive profession over the past decade across organisations of all sizes , but inequalities still exist within the profession . The good news is we are coming together rather than trying to do this on our own .”
Through collaboration with our employers , we can truly put the needs of individuals at the heart of what we do . That ’ s also why we have initiated discussion groups , to help us fully understand our students ’ diverse needs . The outcome of this research will strongly influence our projects in 2022 .
“ A vital area of success has been attracting those from a lower socio-economic background into the profession ”
DR ANTONIA SUDKAEMPER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MANAGER ICAEW sustainabilitymag . com 85