SOCIAL IMPACT

Leaders from the Big Four accountancy firms and largest six law firms have joined forces to establish a network to champion racial diversity, inclusion and equality in the professional services sector in the Leeds City Region, which is one of the largest outside London.

The Stronger Together network aims to promote and encourage best practice across the sector and show that diverse and inclusive leadership is a true driver for change. The network was launched in March at a high profile event at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council. Panel members shared their personal stories around how they have overcome challenges in their career journey, while the goals and objectives of the network were also discussed. As part of Stronger Together, the launch of a cross-firm mentor programme seeks to share collective experiences of equality and diversity challenges, as well as approaches and ideas on how to overcome potential barriers. Recruitment initiatives are also planned to engage with the local education network – particularly at school leaver level – showcasing the diverse range of career opportunities within professional services. An events and speaker programme will also be developed to increase awareness of career opportunities in the sector. The professional services firms involved in the network are: Addleshaw Goddard, Deloitte, DLA Piper, Eversheds Sutherland, EY, KPMG UK, Pinsent Masons, PwC, Squire Patton Boggs and Walker Morris. Arif Ahmad, Private Business Partner at PwC in Leeds and co-founder of the network said: “The diversity and inclusion agenda is personally very important to me. When we first came up with the idea of a cross-firm network, we were not sure how it would be received but I’ve been delighted with the commitment, support and enthusiasm from all of the firms in launching this network. This is the first time that the Big Four accounting firms and largest 6 law firms have collaborated locally on the challenges around racial diversity, inclusion and equality. I’m convinced that by working together on this topic, we will make a difference and am optimistic as to what we can achieve by sharing our stories, expertise and networks. We hope that everyone, from the professional services sector, and beyond, joins us to engage in these important conversations as we create a safe space for people to celebrate best practice and learn how we become more inclusive together.” Pervinder Kaur, Head of Leeds office at Addleshaw Goddard and co-founder of the network said: “Establishing this network is a stepping-stone towards further enhancing an inclusive and diverse culture in our region’s professional services firms. The focus on improving racial diversity, representation, progression and retention requires a different approach and for us all to work together. Having a succinct strategy around how to make racial diversity more effective has huge benefits for individuals, businesses and our collective success as a society.” Steve Blacker, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG in Leeds and co-founder of the network said:“We hope this network will encourage more individuals from racially diverse backgrounds to enter and stay in our profession here in Leeds not just now but in years to come. The support for Stronger Together has been exceptional and I have been moved by each firm’s willingness to share their knowledge and collaborate freely. By collaborating, we can create what I hope will be a pivotal moment in time for racial diversity, inclusion and equality within professional services.” Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: “Equality and diversity are right at the heart of our organisational values and we are 100% committed to having a diverse, happy workforce that is representative of our local population. I’m delighted our professional services sector is also embracing clear commitments to equalise opportunities and conditions for people who may not traditionally have easy access to fulfilling careers in the field. When a city and its workforce are aligned, everyone wins as not only do you tackle inequality but you also benefit from a rich diversity of people and talent.” For further information, please visit www.strongertogetherleeds.co.uk

SOCIAL IMPACT

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The pandemic inevitably required most businesses and community organisations to reduce social contacts. However, Manningham Housing Association (MHA) took the opposite approach with the launch of Building Bridges Bradford.

Spearheaded by its Community Engagement team, the project sought to bolster community resilience, enhance societal awareness across diverse communities and challenge racism, prejudices and community division through a range of social action activities. Building Bridges Bradford had three strands – community conversation, connecting communities and good neighbours events – coupled with online and outdoor exercise sessions as well as coffee mornings. Overall progress was immense with many users receiving continued support including help to access jobs and training, digital engagement, and mental health assistance through user-led groups, all facilitated by community volunteer champions. The project has received lots of encouraging feedback from users. Naheeda on confidence building training: “The sessions were very positive and encouraging for me. I felt guilty to leave my mother to do things for myself. I now understand that it’s important for me to look after myself so that I can continue to look after them, otherwise I was at the brink of burn out.” Resident on seated exercise for BAME women aged 50+: “I have not exercised in so long and I look forward to these sessions every week. I feel young again!.” Resident on budget planning and saving. “The sessions helped me recognise that the way I was managing money was an unhealthy coping technique response to my mental ill health. The course helped me to face my financial worries, budget and look at ways that I could save better for the long-term future of my family and me.” Resident on mental health awareness: “Sharing my phobia with others and understanding that some of us have similar phobias has made me feel at ease. I am more aware about the different types of mental health issues we face in our daily life. This course has impacted me to make positive changes to my life.” Over the period of the Building Bridges Bradford project, the team achieved: • Engagement with 2240 beneficiaries. • 1258 had direct support through attending multiple activities/sessions on wellbeing with over 65% reporting personal improvement to mental health. • 25 new (bottom-up) community initiatives were developed and launched. • 40 service users were supported on the employment project with 7 service users moving into full-time employment and 14 becoming volunteers. • 39 black and Asian women benefited from online business coaching of which 6 are setting up a business. • 412 beneficiaries reported improved physical mobility and reduced obesity through online and outdoor sporting sessions. 292 young people (8–24) and 120 female adults (24+) reported improved physical health. • 275 service users including those from marginalised groups (LGBTQ, refugee, and disabilities) benefited from community conversations and good neighbours day sessions of which over 56% reported improved community relations, better understanding of hate/race crime and healthy cultural friendships with fellow participants. • 98 service users (including 9 young children) reported improved healthy eating through participating and attending healthy cooking sessions on low budgets. • The team developed good working relationships with 25 small groups for continued collaboration and partnership working. • The local e-Community Partnership network was strengthened to include 80 local groups.