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Governance advisory
We guide boards and management teams in frameworks, team processes and leadership dynamics to deliver sustainable value.
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Financial services advisory
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Business risk services
Our market-driven expertise helps firms keep growing and manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Risk
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Economic consulting
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Government and public sector
Experience and expertise in delivering quality public sector advisory and audits.
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Business consulting
Partnering with you to deliver sustainable business change that helps you realise your ambitions.
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Transaction advisory services
Whether buying or selling, we help you get the deal done with our comprehensive range of transaction advisory services.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Corporate finance advisory
Building a business is never easy. We help you maximise the value of your business and find the right option.
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Valuations
Help to understand or support the valuation of a business or asset.
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Insolvency and global asset recovery
We provide asset tracing and seamless cross-border global recovery for clients.
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Forensic and investigation services
Market-driven expertise in investigations, dispute resolution and digital forensics.
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Restructuring
Our restructuring team help lenders, investors and management navigate contingency plans, restructuring and insolvency.
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Transformation consulting
Is business transformation a priority for your organisation? Our expert insight and guidance can help you achieve it.
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Pensions assurance
A tailored service that responds to evolving risks and regulations.
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Accounting services
Optimise your growth with expert accounting services. Contact us today.
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Royalty and intellectual property (IP) audits
Enhance IP asset protection with our royalty and IP audit services. Expertise in licensing, revenue detection, and compliance improvements.
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Business consulting
Partnering with you to deliver sustainable business change that helps you realise your ambitions.
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Corporate Simplification
Release value, reduce compliance complexity, and improve tax efficiency by streamlining your group structure.
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Economic consulting
Bespoke guidance grounded in complex economic theory and practical sector insight to help you make the right decisions.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Governance advisory
We guide boards and management teams in frameworks, team processes and leadership dynamics to deliver sustainable value.
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International
Unlock global opportunities with our local expertise and worldwide reach.
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People advisory
Driving business performance through people strategy and culture.
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Strategy Group
Successful business strategy is rooted in a clear understanding of the market, customer segmentation and how purchase decisions vary.
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Respond: Data breach, incident response and computer forensics
Are you prepared for a cyber failure? We can help you avoid data breaches and offer support if the worst happens.
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Comply: Cyber security regulation and compliance
Cyber security regulation and compliance is constantly evolving. Our team can support you through the digital landscape.
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Protect: Cyber security strategy, testing and risk assessment
Cyber security threats are constantly evolving. We’ll work with you to develop and test robust people, process and technology defences to protect your data and information assets.
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Corporate finance advisory
Building a business is never easy. We help you maximise the value of your business and find the right option.
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Debt advisory
Working with borrowers and private equity financial sponsors on raising and refinancing debt. We can help you find the right lender and type of debt products.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Financial modelling services
Financial modelling that helps you wrestle with your most pressing business decisions.
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Operational deal services
Enabling transaction goals through due diligence, integration, separation, and other complex change.
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Our credentials
Search our transactions to see our experience in your sector and explore the deals advisory services we've delivered.
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Transaction advisory services
Whether buying or selling, we help you get the deal done with our comprehensive range of transaction advisory services.
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Valuations
Help to understand or support the valuation of a business or asset.
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The ESG agenda
Shape your ESG agenda by identifying the right metrics, sustainable development and potential business value impact.
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ESG driven business transition
Whatever your ESG strategy, we can support your organisation as it evolves while maximising efficiency and profitability.
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ESG programme and change management
Do you have the right capabilities to drive the delivery of your ESG strategy to realise your targets?
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ESG risk management
You must protect, comply, understand and influence to successfully manage the risk involved with ESG issues. We can help.
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ESG strategy, risk and opportunity identification
We can help you clearly define your ESG Strategy, with the risks and opportunities identified and managed.
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Create value through effective ESG communication
Building trust and engagement with your stakeholders on your ESG strategy.
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ESG metrics, targets and disclosures
The pressure to report your ESG progress is growing. Do your targets measure up?
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ESG governance, leadership and culture framework
Make the most of ESG opportunities by effectively embedding your strategy across your organisation.
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ESG and non-financial assurance
Support your board to be confident in supplying robust information that withstands scrutiny.
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Transition planning to net zero
Supporting your organisation in the transition to net zero.
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Actuarial and insurance consulting
We consult extensively to the life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and pensions sectors.
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Business risk services
Our market-driven expertise helps firms keep growing and manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Financial crime
Helping you fight financial crime in a constantly changing environment
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Financial services business consulting
Leverage our diverse capabilities to manage challenges and take opportunities: from assurance to transformation
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Financial services tax
Helping financial services firms navigate the global financial services and funds tax landscape.
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Regulatory and compliance
Providing an exceptional level of regulatory and compliance to firms across the financial services industry.
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Corporate intelligence
Corporate intelligence often involves cross-border complexities. Our experienced team can offer support.
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Litigation support
Industry-wide litigation support and investigation services for lawyers and law firms.
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Disputes advisory
Advising on quantum, accounting and financial issues in commercial disputes.
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Forensic investigations and special situations
Do you need clarity in an uncertain situation? If you're accused of wrongdoing we can help you get the facts right.
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Forensic data analytics
Our forensic data analytics team are helping businesses sift the truth from their data. See how we can help your firm.
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Monitoring trustee and competition services
Monitoring trustee services to competition, financial and regulatory bodies.
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Financial crime
Supporting your fight against financial crime in an ever-changing environment
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Public sector advisory
To deliver excellent public services, local and central government need specialist support.
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Public sector consulting
Helping public sector organisations maintain oversight of services and understand what's happening on the ground.
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Public sector audit and assurance
As a leading UK auditor, we have unparalleled insights into the risks, challenges and opportunities that you face.
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Contentious estates and family disputes
We manage complex and sensitive disputes through to resolution.
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Digital Asset Recovery
Get guidance and technical expertise on digital finance and cryptoasset recovery from our dedicated crypto hub.
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Grant Thornton Offshore
Grant Thornton Offshore is our one-stop global solution for insolvency, asset recovery, restructuring and forensics services.
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Insolvency Act Portal
Case information and published reports on insolvency cases handled by Grant Thornton UK LLP.
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Litigation support
Industry-wide litigation support and investigation services for lawyers and law firms.
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Personal insolvency
We can support you to maximise personal insolvency recovery and seek appropriate debt relief.
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South Asia business group
Supporting your growth in the UK-India economic corridor and beyond.
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US business group
Optimise your trans-Atlantic operations with local knowledge and global reach.
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Japan business group
Bridging the commercial and cultural divide and supporting your ambitions across Japan and the UK.
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Africa business group
Connecting you to the right local teams in the UK, Africa, and the relevant offshore centres.
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China-Britain business group
Supporting your operations across the China – UK economic corridor.
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Asset based lending advisory
Helping lenders, their clients and other stakeholders navigate the complexities of ABL.
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Contingency planning and administrations
In times of financial difficulty, it is vital that directors explore all the options that are available to them, including having a robust ‘Plan B’.
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Corporate restructuring
Corporate restructuring can be a difficult time. Let our team make the process simple and as stress-free as possible.
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Creditor and lender advisory
Whether you're a creditor or lender, complex restructurings depend on pragmatic commercial advice
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Debt advisory
Our debt advisory team can find the right lender to help you in restructuring. Find out how our experts can support you.
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Financial services restructuring and insolvency
Financial services restructuring and insolvency is a competitive marketplace. Our team can help you navigate this space.
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Pensions advisory services
DB pension-schemes need a balanced approach that manages risk for trustees and sponsors in an uncertain economy.
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Restructuring and insolvency tax
Tax will often be crucial in a plan to restructure a distressed business. Our team can guide you through the process.
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Restructuring Plans
Market leading experience in advising companies and creditors in Restructuring Plan processes.
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Controls advisory
Build a robust internal control environment in a changing world.
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Data assurance and analytics
Enhancing your data processes, tools and internal capabilities to help you make decisions on managing risk and controls.
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Enterprise risk management
Understand and embrace enterprise risk management – we help you develop and connect risk thinking to your objectives.
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Internal audit services
Internal audit services that deliver the value and impact they should.
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Managing risk and realising ESG opportunities
Assess and assure risk and opportunities across ESG with an expert, commercial and pragmatic approach.
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Project, programme, and portfolio assurance
Successfully delivering projects and programmes include preparing for the wider impact on your business.
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Service organisation controls report
Independent assurance provides confidence to your customers in relation to your services and control environment.
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Supplier and contract assurance
Clarity around key supplier relationships: focusing on risk, cost, and operational performance.
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Technology risk services
IT internal audits and technology risk assurance projects that help you manage your technology risks effectively.
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Capital allowances (tax depreciation)
Advisory and tools to help you realise opportunities in capital allowances.
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Corporate tax
Helping companies manage corporate tax affairs: delivering actionable guidance to take opportunities and mitigate risk.
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Employer solutions
We will help you deliver value through your employees, offering pragmatic employer solutions to increasing costs.
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Indirect tax
Businesses face complex ever changing VAT regimes, guidance and legislation. We can help you navigate these challenges.
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International tax
Real-world international tax advice to help you navigate a changing global tax landscape.
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Our approach to tax
We advise clients on tax law in the UK and, where relevant, other jurisdictions.
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Private tax
Tax experts for entrepreneurs, families and private business. For now and the long term.
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Real estate tax
Stay ahead of real estate tax changes with holistic, tax-efficient solutions.
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Research and development tax incentives
We can help you prepare optimised and robust research and development tax claims.
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Tax dispute resolution
We make it simple to stay compliant and avoid HMRC tax disputes
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Tax risk management
We work with you to develop effective tax risk management strategies.
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Skills and training
Get the right support to deliver corporate and vocational training that leads the way in an expanding market.
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Private education
Insight and guidance for all businesses in the private education sector: from early years to higher education and edtech.
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Facilities management and property services
Get insight and strategic support to take opportunities that protect resilience and drive UK and international growth.
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Recruitment
Helping recruitment companies take opportunities to achieve their goals in a market where talent and skills are key.
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Food and beverage (F&B)
We can help you find the right ingredients for growth in your food and beverage business.
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Travel, tourism and leisure
Tap into our range of support for travel, tourism and leisure businesses in this period of challenge and change.
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Retail, e-commerce and consumer products
With multiple challenges and opportunities in the fast-evolving retail sector, make sure you are ready for them.
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Banking
Our expertise and insight can help you respond positively to long term and emerging issues in the banking sector.
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Capital markets
2020 is a demanding year for capital markets. Working with you, we're architecting the future of the sector.
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Insurance
Our experienced expert team brings you technical expertise and insight to guide you through insurance sector challenges.
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Investment management
Embracing innovation and shaping business models for long-term success.
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Pensions
Pension provision is an essential issue for employers, and the role of the trustee is becoming increasingly challenging.
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Payments advisory and assurance
Payment service providers need to respond to rapidly evolving technical innovations and increased regulatory scrutiny.
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Central and devolved government
Helping central and devolved governments deliver change to improve our communities and grow our economies.
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Infrastructure and transport
Delivering a successful transport or infrastructure project will require you to balance an often complex set of strategic issues.
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Local government
Helping local government leverage technical and strategic expertise deliver their agendas and improve public services.
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Regeneration development and housing
We provide commercial and strategic advice to assist your decision making in pursuing your objectives.
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Health and social care
Sharing insight and knowledge to deliver transformation and improvement to health and social care services.
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Charities
Supporting you to achieve positive change in the UK charity sector.
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Education and skills
The education sector has rarely faced more risk or more opportunity to transform. You need to plan for the future.
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Social housing
We are committed to helping change social housing for the better, and can help you make the most of every opportunity.
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Technology
We work with dynamic technology companies of all sizes to help them succeed and grow internationally.
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Telecommunications
Take all opportunities to realise your goals in telecommunications: from business refresh to international expansion.
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Media
Media companies must stay agile to thrive in today’s highly competitive market – we’re here to support your ambitions.
What’s made me so positive? Probably the environment I grew up in rather than my disability. Growing up in the 1980s there was girl power, breaking the glass ceiling, and women who rule. So, I think that made me confident.
My disability came later in life, so I’ve only been in wheelchair for seven years. I’ve been diagnosed with MS for 15 years.
Feeling different
Having a disability has changed me slightly. I never really knew what it was like to feel different before, but now I always feel different. Every time I wheel into a room, it feels like everyone is looking at me and judging me in a different way than perhaps they would have done if I was fully able bodied.
There are no role models for me in business to look and assess how I should behave. Should I explain why I’m disabled, or do I pretend I’m not? I have Steven Hawking and few disabled comedians to look up to and that’s about it.
I feel constantly excluded and undervalued in society on a daily basis. It’s almost a given – if you’re in a wheelchair, you’re not worth anything. That’s what I experience most days.
However, Grant Thornton has been pretty fabulous. I’ve never felt any exclusion or different treatment from anyone in the firm.
There are moments in business life generally where I feel excluded though. Going to external training courses or conferences, everyone rushes off in the breaks to be first in the queue for coffee or the loos and I’m usually left sitting at the table on my own because I’m at the wrong height for a stand up chitchat and I can’t wheel my chair and hold a hot cup of coffee at the same time. I’m also a trip hazard, so I might get coffee over my head!
I usually sit there pretending I really want to play Sudoku on my phone and not join in with everyone having a laugh. It’s the one time I feel most excluded in business.
I don’t think those people are deliberately avoiding me, people just aren’t aware. So next time you rush off in the break at a conference, just turn around and if someone’s sat on their own, particularly if it’s me, bring me a cup of coffee and come and have a chat so I don’t feel excluded.
Exclusion is a really uncomfortable feeling. I feel disabled when I’m excluded, like I can’t do things. As an independent and positive person who always sees the bright side of everything, that makes me feel horrible. I end up not valuing myself and it knocks my confidence and I get angry with myself. It would just be nice to not ever have to feel like that. I never mention it to others as I don’t want others to pity me.
“I don’t want to feel like the elephant in a room”
I’m one of the few who loved lockdown because it introduced us to using Teams. People can’t see my disability on Teams so I don’t have to explain or over justify myself. And everyone goes for their own tea break so there’s no chance I can feel excluded then. Teams has been the best thing that’s happened to me in relation to my disability for a very long time.
When Boris said lockdown was over, I was gutted and really worried. I hadn’t driven in two years and didn’t know if I still could! Not only that, but I was shielding at home and hadn’t even left the house due to health risk so I became reclusive. I used to struggle to get in and out of the office every day before lockdown, but I’m not even physically able to do that now.
I’m fortunate that all the FAAS team was really understanding. They knew I could work just as effectively from home, and even though they’d love to see me, it was going to be more aggravation than benefit for me to come in.
Because most of my life hasn’t been in a wheelchair, I know what inclusion should feel like. It’s not something amazing, it’s just what should happen every day in normal life. You don’t recognise normal when it’s normal.
Being treated differently in society for my disability
Isle of Wight ferry
A standard memory of exclusion for me was going to the Isle of Wight for an audit committee. Because it was evening time, I felt more comfortable with my husband coming with me. I’d often travelled from Southampton to Cowes before and being in a wheelchair I settled myself in the aisle, not on a seat. A member of staff said I couldn’t sit in the aisle as I was blocking the walkway. I moved and was told again that I was blocking people’s exit down the aisle. This time we moved right to the back, and yet again I was told I was blocking away. I was angry at this point asking, ‘Where on earth do you want me to sit?’. She advised I sit with the luggage area…and in an emergency, no one is supposed to collect their luggage. I’ve never travelled with that particular operator since.
Some people ask me why I didn’t complain, but if I did that for every time I am mistreated for being in a wheelchair, I’d spend all of my time reporting disabled abuse.
Catching trains and taxis
I have to give 24 hours’ notice to travel by train, to notify passenger assistance staff to help me. They will usually be waiting at the platform when I arrive and help to set up the ramp onto the train. But if they can’t get the right assistance to the station, the train guard is notified that someone with a disability is waiting at the platform.
One time, when Tony and Dave (my local train stations assistants) weren’t there, I had to rely on the guard to help me on the train. I was told to wait by the disabled doors and waited for assistance.
The guard saw me waiting, blew his whistle and the train departed while I was left at the platform. In rage, I was chasing this train down the platform in my wheelchair swearing at him. I had a meeting in London that I was going to miss.
Two ladies that saw it happen complained on my behalf as they’d seen what had happened, and I also complained. I was notified that he had been put on disability awareness training, but what I really wanted was for him to experience how that felt in my shoes.
Situations make you feel like you can’t cope going out into the world. Taxi drivers often won’t stop for me in the rain because they know they have to get out to help me, even when I’m with my husband. I used to hide and my husband would wave down the taxi before I’d emerge – it was like a game for us.
Difference is different for everyone
Exclusion is different for everyone and is a very personal thing. Not everyone will feel comfortable with it being discussed openly. I have no problem telling people I have MS, but there will be someone else with the same medical condition who won’t want people to know and they have a right to not have to share that. Equally, they may not want to discuss the medical explanation that sit behind it.
In other ways, it’s important to talk about difference where there’s lack of understanding. An example of difference that I don’t fully understand is around people who don’t identify as male or female, or who are non-gender conforming people. I saw one of our people’s stories on the intranet about it who recently joined and was a non-binary person, so I googled it to learn more because I realised that it was something I needed to know more about.
We need a balance when talking about difference. I think talking about it is good in that it encourages people to learn more, but equally I think we need to be careful that by talking about difference we don’t make people feel different.
Unconscious bias
I now recognise that earlier in my life, I held unconscious bias in the workplace. I grew up in the 1980s and 90s, and to me that was the time when we had the most misogynistic, racist, homophobic society I’ve ever experienced.
Since I’ve been aware of unconscious bias, some of my recruitment decisions 10 or so years ago were based on an unconscious bias that I had – not because I’m a nasty person, but because I’d grown up in an environment where it was acceptable to make judgements about people, not based on their skills but based on their characteristics. So being aware of unconscious bias is really helpful in helping you to change, because if you don’t know you’re doing it you’re not going to change it. If you do, you can do something about it.
Having unconscious bias is a bit like having Covid… you can have it and not know you’ve got it! There are lots of people wandering around thinking they don’t have biases, so you have to take a test to know.
Valuing diversity through everyday inclusion