Research outputs 2018

Socio-economic background and early career progression in the law

Working with eight global law firms and the Sutton Trust, this study examines the correlation between background characteristics and early career progression in the legal profession. The research includes the analysis of data relating to over 2,800 early career professionals and interviews with current and former employees. It provides a compelling evidence base to drive a shift in mindset, and to boost firms’ efforts to increase socio-economic diversity and inclusion in the legal sector.

You can read the summary report here.

Summit on mature students in higher education

Discussion focused on the dramatic fall in participation amongst part-time students, particularly since the 2012 funding forms, and the urgency of reform in a number of areas, such as student finance and target-setting for institutions. It was evident that collective and concerted action was required from government and the sector to rejuvenate the market in flexible study. HEIs need incentives to provide opportunities for part-time study, and to improve information and guidance for prospective students to help them make informed decisions and navigate the system.

You can read a summary of our discussion and recommendations here.

Improving social mobility in accountancy

Research undertaken on behalf of Access Accountancy by the Bridge Group has revealed that while actions taken across the accountancy profession to improve social mobility has improved the understanding of young people from more challenging socio-economic backgrounds, there is still more to do. In the largest cross-sector collaboration social mobility analysis exercise that has been attempted internationally, the accountancy profession has demonstrated its commitment to improving social mobility within the profession and that it is leading the way in trying to understand hiring practices and making substantive changes.