Select Accountancy leads the way in achieving industry leading equality accreditation.
Select Accountancy (A division of Martin Ward Anderson) have become the first national Accountancy and Finance Recruitment specialist to achieve the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) accreditation for
Diversity Assured Recruitment.
In order to achieve this accreditation Select Accountancy underwent an intensive 6 month policy and procedural audit and had to demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement in the field of diversity.
During this process an internal position of compliance and diversity co-ordinator was created and a consultative process began through discussions with staff, suppliers and community groups taking place which enabled them to ensure that all internal and external processes were effective and aligned to corporate values.
Robert Woodford, Marketing and Compliance Manager of Select Accountancy commented that “We know from our client’s, both in the public and private sectors, that the value they place on diversity and equality is as high as our company.”
“Diversity isn’t about ticking boxes and meeting minimum legal requirements, it is about creating an environment that is accommodating to everyone and provides the best opportunities for individuals to excel. It also ensures we attract the widest and most talented pool of individuals to both work for us and to be registered as candidates for our clients” explains Farr.
Woodford is responsible for compliance at Select Accountancy and has overseen the accreditation process “The accreditation is also about ensuring that we provide clients with options so that when they are using us they know that they are not inadvertently discriminating and thus can fulfill their legal and social diversity and equality obligations.” Furthermore “it ensures that we are taking the lead within the industry and work in tandem with the accountancy institutes”.
“The ‘Diversity Assured’ Accreditation enables Select Accountancy to add real value to their clients and they are able to draw upon a much wider pool of applicants. It definitely gives them the edge at a time when the scarcity of skilled professionals is subject to increasing demand, embracing diversity and issues of equality is good for both their candidates, clients and the wider professional community.” Explains Aaron Reid, Executive Director of Professional DiverCity.
Woodford has also noticed a positive reaction “Many businesses, accountancy practices and public sector organisations have turned to us expressing genuine gratitude that we have developed a strand to our service which not only sets us apart, but which helps them meet their diversity goals.” Woodford concludes that “Select Accountancy strives to offer a service beyond reproach. Diversity makes real business sense and I am proud that our business is leading the way in this area”