What is the scheme?

Access Accountancy signatories commit to measurable outcomes, which aim to deliver real change and welcome talented and ambitious young people to the profession from all backgrounds. Access Accountancy signatories are committed to:
  • Providing 3,750 30 hour work placements, depending on their size and capacity, to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds
  • Collecting and monitoring socio-economic data of applicants and hires on an annual basis
  • Taking part in externally validated reviews of Access Accountancy
  • Generating interest in accountancy by delivering common messages in more target schools and colleges

Access Accountancy signatories are also expected to make an annual donation (dependent on their size) to support the continuation of the initiative. For further information please contact Access.Accountancy@icaew.com.

Why join?

The accountancy profession accounts for 1.1% of total employee population in the UK (BIS 2010) and was identified by Milburn (2009) as having had the largest decline of all professions in social mobility between the 1958 and 1970 birth cohorts. Unless trends reverse, tomorrow’s professional is growing up in a family richer than seven in ten of all families in the UK.

It is generally recognised that the country’s future prosperity and growth will be underpinned by the professions. This expansion will require recruitment of the most talented people from all backgrounds.

Benefits?

As an Access Accountancy signatory you will have access to:
  • Resources to support the development of your work experience programme, including example activities
  • Schools data to inform targeting of appropriate schools and students, with support around school/student selection
  • A network of likeminded organisations sharing best practice on improving access
  • Access Accountancy signatory events to share best practice and look at overall progress on social mobility
 Click here to read the blogs from wider stakeholders.

For further information and details of how to get involved please contact Access.Accountancy@icaew.com.