Best Workplaces for Women recognition for PKF Francis Clark

Positive feedback from female colleagues has led to PKF Francis Clark being rated as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women.

We are ranked 46th out of 89 large organisations in the 2023 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list published today by Great Place to Work UK. The rankings are based primarily on what women report about their workplace, and how fairly those experiences compare to men’s reports of the same workplaces.

Each of the companies on our list have been commended by their own female employees who have anonymously told us their workplace has gone above and beyond to ensure that women employees are treated fairly in terms of recognition, training and promotion opportunities.

In an anonymous survey, 93% of female colleagues said people at PKF Francis Clark care about each other, while 87% said they can be themselves at work and 90% said they are treated as a full member regardless of their position.

Anonymous comments included: “The firm is very supportive of mental and physical wellbeing – regular webinars on many different subjects and we even have our own menopause group, which is actively supported by the partners by bringing in external speakers and paid time to attend meetings and webinars.”

PKF Francis Clark’s workforce is 57% female – a slightly higher proportion than the accountancy sector as a whole (source: ICAEW Probate Diversity Survey).

There are so many female colleagues who inspire me, and it’s great to see so many women securing promotions across the firm.

Amy Taylor, chief people officer at PKF Francis Clark, said: “It’s fantastic to be ranked as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women, particularly as this is based on anonymous feedback from our colleagues, as well as how well represented women are in our workforce and management. However, we aren’t complacent and are working on several strategic projects and initiatives to improve female progression and therefore reduce our gender pay gap.”

Trainee accountant Amelia Hamson said: “The firm has been extremely supportive as I undertake my qualifications. There are so many female colleagues who inspire me, and it’s great to see so many women securing promotions across the firm. I have two female managers who are both extremely supportive and push me to succeed in my career.”

Last year, 55.7% of people promoted to more senior roles at the firm were women.

Initiatives to support female career progression include coaching senior leaders preparing for and returning from maternity leave, and workshops to help new partners balance increased work responsibility with personal commitments.

The firm has been very supportive in accommodating my need for flexibility, as a busy working mother with three children.

The firm has signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge, with awareness training for managers and groups to support and retain women through a critical time in their lives and careers.

PKF Francis Clark has also embraced hybrid working, normalising greater home working and providing more flexibility to everyone, including those with caring responsibilities.

Katie Skea, who was promoted to partner earlier this year, said: “The firm has been very supportive in accommodating my need for flexibility, as a busy working mother with three children, and giving me the opportunity to massively diversify my skillset in becoming a healthcare specialist.”

PKF Francis Clark was certified as a Great Place to Work in September 2022. The firm is also ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces and Best Workplaces for Wellbeing.

Benedict Gautrey, managing director of Great Place to Work UK, said: “This list celebrates the workplaces that are not just providing a great work environment for all, but are ensuring they’re creating a positive and supportive environment for women too. Each of the companies on our list have been commended by their own female employees who have anonymously told us their workplace has gone above and beyond to ensure that women employees are treated fairly in terms of recognition, training and promotion opportunities.”

This latest accolade comes after PKF Francis Clark was ranked 28^th among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England for 2023.

For more information about accountancy, audit, and tax job opportunities see the PKF Francis Clark careers website.