Our broader inclusion impact in 2024

Training that counts

Protecting our people from harassment

Following changes to UK law in 2024 increasing the responsibilities of employers in protecting their employees from sexual harassment, we have strengthened our policies and guidance globally in relation to preventing sexual harassment in our workplace. In addition to reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance, we are also updating our global training on Respectful Workplace behaviours to reflect these standards with the rollout anticipated to begin in mid-2025.

Promoting psychological safety and building a generation of inclusive leaders

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, in 2024 we launched an Inclusive Leadership and Psychological Safety training programme. Our goal with this programme is to equip all team members with the necessary skills, understanding, and knowledge to lead inclusively, cultivate psychological safety, and promote diversity of thought across all levels of our organisation. Creating an environment where every voice is heard, and every person is valued is vital to our success. By prioritising this, we’re not only strengthening our people’s experience of PA but also enhancing our ability to create well-rounded insights for our clients and deliver with impact.

Accelerating social mobility impact

Confronting disadvantage head on

We are committed to developing and inspiring people, particularly those facing disadvantage, to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. To support these aims, we set up The PA Foundation in 2022 to distribute £10m over five years to support those facing disadvantage across our communities. The Foundation partners with 42 organisations in the UK, US, and Nordics and has supported over 20,000 people to improve their education, skills, and employment outcomes. All of our people can access up to three days of volunteer time, which can be used over the course of the year to support these charitable organisations and PA’s Community engagement programme, PA in the Community.

Creating early career opportunities

We recently launched our early careers (18-24 years old) digital apprenticeship programme - a three-and-a-half-year degree apprenticeship in Digital and Technology Solutions (software engineering and data science pathways), where our apprentices actively contribute to client delivery after onboarding. We were able to attract over 900 applications for eight apprenticeship places in 2024 and expect the same level of demand in 2025. One of our first cohorts was nominated for Multicultural Apprentice of the Year at a national awards ceremony in 2024. We are extending the programme to our Belfast office in 2025. Investing in apprenticeships supports the attraction and recruitment of high potential talent from a wider range of backgrounds into our organisation. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to broadening access to early careers consulting for those without a degree and providing opportunities for disadvantaged or minority groups.

Building a network of internal champions

In December 2024, we launched our Social Mobility Network to promote conversations and connection with others on topics of social mobility. In 2025, the network will work to break down barriers and have open conversations about social mobility, sharing information and resources that look at social mobility at work and in personal lives. The network will continue to build a supportive community where people can share experiences and advice, and raise awareness and understanding to eliminate stigma and create a more empathetic work environment.

Partnering for impact

We have an established partnership with Generation Success, a social enterprise that advances social mobility by empowering young people from all backgrounds to reach their career aspirations. In 2024, 120 PA people became mentors to young people from underrepresented groups and we offered our first role to a graduate of the programme.

Respected for our work

We have been recognised at the 2024 UK Social Mobility Awards and by the Social Mobility List 2024 for the innovative work we do to support those in the criminal justice system before and after release from prison. This helps to prepare and support them to find new pathways to health, employment, and the prospect of a more positive future. We also won the Social Mobility Initiative of the Year at the 2024 British Diversity Awards for our PA in the Community programme.

Delivering social value with our clients

Purpose-driven growth and corporate responsibility

We recognise the importance of driving meaningful social impact alongside business success. We are committed to embedding social value into our work – partnering with clients, communities, and stakeholders, across the public, private, or third sector to create sustainable, inclusive, and lasting change.

Advancing inclusion through social value

In 2024, we have continued to drive inclusion through social value commitments in partnership with our clients. This includes supporting a leading charity for domestic abuse survivors in defining requirements for their new case management system, partnering with a client to improve the inclusion of women in technology roles, and delivering a skills-based training programme with a naval charity to equip homeless individuals with essential skills and support.