Diversity Equality & Inclusion at Westcotts

Diversity Equality & Inclusion

Westcotts is committed to Diversity Equality &
Inclusion (DEI) which is fundamental to our core
principles of Team Work, Respect, Trust & Exceptional
Service. Only through a truly inclusive approach to
our business can we create the firm that our teams
and communities deserve.

At our firm, we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen the quality of our thinking, the integrity of our work, and the service we provide to our clients. As a regional accounting practice serving a broad range of businesses and communities, we are committed to building a workplace where all of our 300+ team and clients feel respected, supported, and able to contribute fully. DEI can be approached in many ways. Some of these approaches are compliance driven – however we believe that good DEI isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about treating people properly and creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and most importantly can flourish.

Westcotts are committed to creating a work environment free of harassment, bullying, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, by promoting dignity, equality, diversity and fairness for all. Individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognised and valued. We recognise that achieving this requires ongoing focus and accountability.

The Westcotts Approach

We are taking practical steps to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into how we operate:

Inclusive recruitment – widening candidate pools, reducing bias in hiring processes, and focusing on potential as well as experience
Fair progression and pay – regularly reviewing promotion outcomes and compensation to ensure
equitable treatment
Development for all – providing mentoring, training, and clear pathways for career progression across the firm
Inclusive leadership – equipping our partners and managers with the skills to lead diverse teams effectively
Employee voice – encouraging open dialogue and feedback, and creating forums where colleagues can share experiences and ideas

We routinely monitor DEI metrics, the most recent of which have told us that:

We have team members in every age group from 16 up to 75 years old and over, with at least 7% of the team in every 5 year grouping up to the age of 65
66% of the team are female
5% of the team consider themselves to have a disability according to the definition in the Equality Act, whilst 8% consider themselves to be neurodivergent.
We employ a mix of races and nationalities.
4% indicated that their sexual orientation is LGBTQI+
Our team members have a varied educational background with 30% having a degree and 32% with at least one A Level. Many trainees are now coming to the profession without a degree and finding that our approach offers success and options beyond that available from university.
13% of our team members have indicated they combine work with caring support for family members, friends or neighbours; whilst 23% are primary carers for children under 18.

Diversity Equality & Inclusion

While we track key metrics as part of our responsibility to maintain a workplace free from harassment,
bullying, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, we see DEI as going far beyond compliance. We
recognise that diversity is not limited to visible characteristics. It includes differences in family structures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and invisible disabilities, as well as the varied experiences that shape how individuals see and engage with the world.

Our aim is to understand and value the whole person. By doing so, we strive to create an environment where our people and clients feel respected, supported, and able to thrive—bringing their best to a workplace that is
enriched by the breadth of perspectives within it.

How do we live DEI through our firm?

Our firm is one of the few led by a female senior partner
76% of our partners and directors are already female and that proportion is growing all the time
DEI is on the agenda of each and every Board meeting
Whole team training is given regularly through online tools and also by presentations at team updates.
And, most importantly, we talk about these things – amongst ourselves and with our clients and
communities

We welcome feedback on our approach and recognise that meaningful progress comes through
collaboration, transparency, and sustained effort.

At its core, DEI is about creating a workplace where
team members and clients can do their best work
without having to work around barriers that were
never designed with them in mind.

Emma Mills

Lead for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at Westcotts

I have used Westcotts for my business and personal accounts for over 15 years.
I have a small garage business and Westcotts is always there to answer my questions and help me.
Westcotts always has the best advice for ways to reduce my taxes and
boost my income in a legitimately creative way.

Robert Metherell