Accountancy firm Grant Thornton is celebrating after scooping national recognition for its efforts to improve social mobility in the workplace.
The national firm, which employs 40 staff at its Ipswich offices, ranked first out of the top 50 employers in what is believed to be the first ever Social Mobility Employer Index.
Rob Thomson, director at the Ipswich office, said they launched a drive to promote social mobility three years ago. “Businesses can get access to a hidden talent pool, bringing diverse perspectives and better reflecting the clients we serve. Communities benefit through recognition of talent and the reward of opportunities and development,” he said.
The firm changed its school leaver and graduate trainee selection process and in 2014 became the first firm to remove academic barriers to entry. This year, the firm saw a 47% increase in applications for its school leaver programme.
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