Diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing

Margaret Laidlaw

Diversity, equity, inclusion

“We’re dedicated to ensuring that Forvis Mazars is a place where everyone has a strong sense of belonging, and every individual can reach their potential. I’m incredibly proud of our culture and work we are doing to accelerate inclusion, and believe our actions demonstrate our continued commitment to placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are as an organisation. We know that we still have more work to do. We will continue to challenge ourselves to better represent the diversity of the clients we serve, being leaders for ensuring professional services are open to all, no matter their starting point”

Margaret Laidlaw
UK Executive Member – Head of People

Commitments and actions we are taking to embed a culture of inclusion

Access accountancy

We are proud to be a signatory of Access Accountancy – an ambitious collaboration of employers and professional bodies, dedicated to improving access to the accountancy profession. Access Accountancy’s mission is to increase awareness and aspirations among young people to join the accountancy profession.

Social mobility foundation

We work with the Social Mobility Foundation and have been ranked #14 in the Top 50 Employers in the 2019 Social Mobility Index. The Top 50 Social Mobility Index recognises the organisations that are taking the most action to ensure they are open to accessing and progressing talent from all backgrounds.

The Purpose Coalition

We are part of the Purpose Coalition, comprised of leading accountancy firms and a number of educational institutions. Chaired by the Rt Hon Justine Greening and Nick Forbes CBE. Its mission is to work together to identify innovative solutions to some of the barriers that exist in our industry, ensuring opportunities to enter and progress are equally accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Stonewall

We are proud to partner with Stonewall, the leading LGBTQ+ charity working with organisations to build more inclusive workplaces. As a member of their diversity champions programme, our aim is to ensure all LGBTQ+ team members feel safe, welcomed, and free to be themselves.

Women in finance

Forvis Mazars has signed up to Her Majesty’s Treasury Women in Finance initiative. Through this, organisations pledge to increase the representation of women in senior roles.

Menopause workplace pledge

We are very pleased to have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge; in signing the pledge we have committed to making our organisation a supportive and understanding place for team members going through the menopause.

Business Disability Forum

Forvis Mazars are proud members of Business Disability Forum (BDF), working with them to create an inclusive workplace by removing barriers to improve the experience of team members, and create a disability-smart firm, through reviewing and updating our policies and processes from a disability inclusion lens, and ensuring our application and recruitment processes are more accessible.

Valuable 500

Forvis Mazars has signed up to the global initiative focused on putting disability on leadership agendas. As a firm we have made a commitment to play our part in creating a firm that is inclusive of all. Our commitment is “We will actively engage with our DisAbility network (disability network) through our Inclusion Alliance ensuring that the network plays a key role in the development of the firms’ policies and practices in relation to inclusion and both visible and hidden disability. We will provide a platform for the network to share more lived experiences to help educate and raise awareness of disability across the firm”.

Neurodiversity in Business

We have signed up to Neurodiversity in Business, a forum which brings experts and employers together to create more inclusive experiences for neurodiverse individuals.

By partnering with Neurodiversity in Business our aim is to build a better workplace for neurodiverse employees, whilst supporting those with neurodiverse loved ones and families, through raising awareness, breaking down stigmas and improving our internal support and resources.

Beyond grades

We hire talented people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, recognising that potential doesn’t stem from people’s background. Strong academic performance is important; however, we understand that things don't always go to plan. Our recruitment process looks at your whole self – academic achievements as well as other experiences in which you have grown and developed. To ensure diversity in early careers recruitment we use Rare’s Contextual Recruitment System, using big data to help us identify candidates with the greatest potential. Allowing us to make more informed choices about candidates by considering the context in which their academic achievements have been gained.

Returners Programme

At Forvis Mazars we are proud to offer career returners coaching to any successful applicants who have taken a career break of 12 months or more as part of our work to be an inclusive employer of choice. We know that careers and life are not always linear, and that sometimes extra support from experts and peers is all that’s needed to help us take the next step.

Diversity networks

We have a number of diversity networks. Their aim is to provide a sense of community, inspire and support diverse talent, and raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion within Forvis Mazars. The diversity networks are open to all and play a critical role in creating an inclusive firm focused on connecting individuals, driving positive change, and creating a culture of allyship. Our networks work closely with our senior leaders to impact change across at Forvis Mazars. The network groups include:

  • Balance - Support and promote gender balance and equity within the firm
  • DisAbility - Champion seeing the ability in disability across the firm
  • REACH – Supports race equality, inclusion and allyship across the firm
  • Families@ForvisMazars - Supports families across the firm who are navigating the demands and challenges of work and family life
  • LGBTQ+ Champions - Provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ team members and allies in the firm
  • SoMobile – Champion equality of opportunity for all regardless of background. 

Our Faith Networks:

  • Christian Network
  • Muslim Network
  • Jewish Network
  • Hindu Network

Wellbeing

Wellbeing at Forvis Mazars means creating an inclusive environment that is based on shared values, acceptance, and trust. We make a collective commitment to always show support, respect and take responsibility for building positive wellbeing, enabling us to be a healthy and high-performing team.

In order to create a place where our people can thrive, we provide a range of tools and resources for individuals to choose what works for them.

Well-makers

We have a well-maker network who work closely with our DEI networks and MHFA’s to signpost and share wellbeing resources across their local offices. Our well-makers provide a friendly face in the office, welcoming new joiners, and ensuring their colleagues are aware of the support available to everyone to encourage positive wellbeing.

Wellbeing resources

We understand that sometimes individuals will want or need help outside of work, so we provide access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme which is accessible to all and offers further support to those who need it.

We also provide proactive support by providing a subscription to the Calm app for all employees, along with signposting to direct content from multiple resources and virtual learning as well as dedicated wellbeing intranet pages for trainees and people managers.

Mental Health First Aiders
We created our MHFA network in 2019 and continue to grow this group to ensure any team members who needs this support have access to it. This group meet on a regular basis and work with the national wellbeing team to signpost and support colleagues across the firm, sharing tips and tools to support a culture of positive wellbeing.

Spot the Signs
We want to ensure all people managers have the access to be upskilled in having conversations about mental health. We have regular interactive sessions open to all people managers, providing them with the tools and confidence to have conversations with their team members, and ensure they are aware of the early warning signs and how to signpost to support.

Physical Wellbeing

We want to ensure our people feel supported in maintaining their physical health, no matter what stage of life or their personal circumstances. We offer several benefits to team members which include access to a virtual GP service and cycle to work scheme to name a few.

Social Wellbeing

Our people networks and faith communities provide a place for connection and inspiration. As well as regular meetings, there are virtual community channels for each, providing an instant opportunity to socialise and collaborate.

Click here for more information on our communities.