Ernst & Young >About us>About EY - Diversity and inclusiveness - Our networks - Ernst & Young - United Kingdom

As part of the firm’s approach to Diversity and Inclusiveness, we are delighted to sponsor a number of networks within the firm. These networks support their members in many ways, including connecting people across the business and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Our networks are a valuable resource to the firm and our D&I strategy relies on harnessing their power to achieve our wider strategic objectives. They contribute to these in a number of ways:

• Raising awareness of the diversity of our people and promoting a culture of inclusive leadership. Educating the business by raising awareness of the issues facing some of our under-represented groups.
• Attracting diverse new talent by contributing to the firm’s position as an employer of choice.
• Providing members with personal development opportunities and creating a sense of affinity with the firm. Creating opportunities to connect with colleagues across all our service lines and in different geographical locations, providing wider personal networks.
• Connecting to the market by providing opportunities to engage with our clients and potential clients.
• Challenging the business to ensure that inclusive practices are ‘business as usual’.

All our networks are fully inclusive and welcome members from any background.

Here’s a little more about each of them.

EY Black Network

Supports the firm’s D&I agenda by creating opportunities fostering the retention and development of our black professionals. Activities focus on connecting our members within the firm and within the market, engaging with the firm’s leadership, and building relationships that serve the firm and our wider communities.

EY Disability Working Group

Aims to make us a more disability confident organisation and works on raising awareness, ensuring effective accessibility and raising our profile in the recruitment market. Includes a Dyslexia Working Group, a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Group and a Mental Health Working Group.

EY Far East Network

Allows members to connect with people across the firm with an interest in the Far East, whether it be for professional or business development, networking, or learning about the various cultures in the Far East.

EY Parents’ Network

Aims to ensure we are recognised as a great place for parents to work by supporting fathers and mothers directly and indirectly, ensuring we consider internal and external views and adopt best practice as an employer. It offers seminars and a buddy system for those returning from maternity leave. Includes a Special Needs Forum for parents of children with special needs.

EY Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Network (EYGLES)

Exists to create networking opportunities which develop members’ potential and the firm’s business, to provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and to connect to people with an interest in LGBT issues.

EY South Asian Network

Helps our people, clients and communities maximise their potential through better awareness and understanding of South Asian cultures. Creates relationship development opportunities both internally and with clients.

EY Women’s Network

Aims to ensure our women feel empowered to maximise their potential through a variety of means, including increasing visibility and access to role models and promoting networking and relationship-building both internally and externally (including with FTSE 100 Board members and Women Entrepreneurs).

EY Interfaith Working Group

Aims to promote awareness, dialogue and cooperation between the various faith groups within the firm. Contains active Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh sub-groups.