Professional services firms Deloitte UK, KPMG UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) UK have signed a global disability inclusion commitment, The Valuable 500, operated by business campaign group #valuable.
The Valuable 500, launched in January 2019, is a year-long, global campaign that is asking 500 private sector organisations to pledge to support disability inclusion and equality. By joining, employers commit to placing disability inclusion on the board agenda in 2019, and to making one firm commitment to implement in 2019. Organisations must share this commitment both internally and externally.
The Valuable 500 was launched at the World Economic Forum’s annual summit in Davos, Switzerland.
Tony Cates, vice chair and board sponsor for disability and mental health at KPMG UK, said: “As a large employer, and with a broad client base, we have a real opportunity to lead from the front and promote inclusion, diversity and social equality in our business and the people we work with. The Valuable 500 is another opportunity for us to speak out about the importance of disability inclusion and we look forward to working with others to further this agenda.”
Kevin Ellis, senior partner and chairman at PWC UK, added: “We’re very pleased to work with Valuable 500. Businesses like ours have a responsibility to promote inclusion and equality and, as business leaders, we need to work together to unlock the value of disabled talent across society. At PWC, we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they can thrive and progress; disability inclusion is an integral part of our board agenda on inclusion.”
Other organisations that have signed The Valuable 500 since its inception include financial services businesses Barclays, HSBC, the Bank of England, RBS and Lloyds Banking Group. Professional services firm EY was also one of the initial signatories, alongside technology organisation Microsoft.
To date, organisations employing a total of more than two million staff globally have committed to deliver The Valuable 500’s agenda.
Caroline Casey, founder at The Valuable 500, said: “Deloitte UK, EY, KPMG UK and PWC UK, the big four professional services organisations have the national power to make a difference in their sector, and therefore the responsibility to really make a difference. It is fantastic that they are standing up together to speak for those who have been routinely ignored in business and society.
“Momentum is building for disability inclusion and it is fantastic to see global competitors come together to collaborate and solve global inclusion issues. Undoubtedly this is a sign that the world is waking up to the current inequality crisis.
“We applaud the big four for taking a definitive stand on inclusion and giving a voice to disabled people through their boardrooms, and encourage other business leaders and brands to follow suit in committing to The Valuable 500.”
Richard Houston, senior partner and chief executive officer at Deloitte UK and Deloitte North and South Europe, added: “We’re committed to ensuring our firm is inclusive, where individual differences are respected and valued. An inclusive culture means encouraging true diversity of thought and creating an environment that allows everyone to play to their strengths.”