The number of firms with female leaders within the UK’s top 100 has dropped 20% to 12.
However, the number of firms with 40%+ female partners has increased by 28%. In 2023, only 7 firms reported 40% or more of their partners were women, the same as in 2022.
A total of nine firms now report having 40% or more female partners, with Ellacotts – the only firm to have breached this milestone for three years in a row – and Thompson Wright reporting a 50/50 split.
The average across the 100 firms was 24%.
Slow progress
Among the top ten this year, Forvis Mazars reported the highest percentage of female partners at 29%. They were followed by RSM at 28%.
Among the Big Four, only PwC provided figures, reporting 27% of female partners.
The UK accounting profession has made strides toward gender diversity – 83 firms reported having a dedicated DEI policy in place. However, significant disparities persist, particularly in senior positions. While women constitute nearly half of all qualified accountants, their representation diminishes at higher levels of leadership.
This underrepresentation is evident in the leadership structures of major firms. In 2023, none of the UK’s Big Four accounting firms—PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG—had a female senior partner or chair.
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