Grant Thornton recognised among top social mobility employers

Grant Thornton UK has been recognised as one of the top employers in this year’s Social Mobility Employer index in recognition of the firm’s commitment to the agenda. 

The firm has retained its third place position in the index and has been consistently in the top 10 since the index was launched in 2017. The firm’s leading approach to social mobility remains data driven, focusing on identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression for those from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

The annual index, compiled by the Social Mobility Foundation, assesses UK employers across seven key areas including working with young people, routes into the firm, attraction of talent, recruitment and selection, data collection, progression of employees and experienced hires, and advocacy. 

Recent initiatives which have contributed to the firm’s recognition include educational awareness sessions, advocacy and role modelling from senior leaders, the launch of The Grant Thornton Foundation to support social inclusion, and inclusive recruitment practices such as online behavioural tests designed to reduce test anxiety. 

Jenn Barnett, head of inclusion and diversity and ESG at Grant Thornton UK, said: “We are proud of our ongoing work in enabling opportunity and increasing access for people from socioeconomic backgrounds. Our data-driven approach, inclusive recruitment practices and partnerships with organisations such as Rise, the Social Mobility Foundation and One Million Mentors, among others, help to drive meaningful change and move towards a level playing field for all. 

“We are particularly proud of the launch of The Grant Thornton Foundation this year; with a focus on social inclusion and enabling access to employment for young people from underprivileged backgrounds. We won’t stop there, we have plans to do more in 2025, with a renewed focus on coaching for young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.”