Supporting Pride Month 2022

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At PKF, we are proud to embrace diversity and inclusion in the working environment as the UK celebrates 50 years of the Pride movement. PKF is pleased to be supporting Pride Month.

As part of our celebrations, our diversity and inclusion group have been involving colleagues in learning more about Pride Month and what it means for both colleagues and clients.

We are all unique individuals and Pride can mean something different to each of us. In celebration of Pride month we asked our colleagues to share what Pride means to them. Here are a few of the many responses.

“We recognise that the combination of our different backgrounds, personalities and experiences is what gives us our advantage – and is also an important part of what makes working here so rewarding and interesting!

“That’s why PKF is proud to celebrate diversity, foster greater inclusion and promote greater understanding and support for one another. Our Pride month initiatives are just one of the many ways we do that.”

Dominic Roberts
Managing Partner

What does being an ally mean to you and why is it important?

"I’m proud to be part of an organisation that engages with and supports the LGBTQ+ community and I’m delighted that we are taking part in Pride Month. At PKF, we’re determined to provide an environment where everyone can be themselves, or bring their ‘authentic self to work’."

Stephen Goderski
Head of Advisory

What do you appreciate about PKF’s focus on diversity and inclusion?

"At PKF we are nothing without our people, and it is important to us that we create and maintain and inclusive environment so that everyone can feel comfortable and confident in who they are.  While PKF celebrates Pride month, we are committed to maintaining this spirit of openness and engagement all year round."

Chris Riley
Head of Tax

How has being LGBTQ+ in the accounting industry changed over the course of your career?

"There are still a number of people who feel anxious about being fully open about their gender identity and/or sexual orientation in the work place. Some may have many hurdles to overcome in their personal life, so being authentic at work may be a long way off. Organisations should continue to evolve and can further help by removing some of the barriers that the community faces by bringing in diversity networks and holding knowledge sharing sessions to increase awareness - all steps which provide support and can help individuals to be more open."

Catherine Heyes
Corporate Tax Partner

What does being an ally mean to you and why is it important?

"I'm proud of the firm's approach to supporting our people, as one of the firm's Mental Health First Aiders I'm committed to making myself available, reach-out, listen and support people from any division, in confidence and without judgement. For me, being an ally involves being available to members of the LGBTQ+ community and giving another safe-space for conversations and support."

Phil Broadbery
Partner

What does Pride mean to you?

"This is the first year I’ve really got involved beyond just supporting friends, so I’m still working that out! Ultimately it means not being ashamed of who I am; having pride in my authentic self and sharing that with the world."

Sam Meir
Tax Manager

What does being an ally mean to you and why is it important?

"I'm proud to be an ally of our LGBTQ+ network. It's important that everyone feels comfortable at work and feels able to be themselves in both their personal and professional lives. Allies are there to support their colleagues, to listen, and to care. PKF is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, understood and supported."

Julian Rummins
Head of Not For Profit

What do you appreciate about PKF’s focus on diversity and inclusion?  

"We don't want clones.  We actively encourage different views and ideas. Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of this. I feel I can be myself and bring everything I have to offer to my role in the firm. This is hugely liberating and hugely encouraging."

Alex Freedman
People Development Manager

What does Pride mean to you?

"Pride is a celebration of diversity and LGBTQ+. As an ally, it's about reinforcing equal rights for ALL people and ensure that they can celebrate who they are without fear."

Steph Hart
Senior Manager

What does Pride mean to you?

"Pride month is an opportunity to talk and showcase acceptance, openness and love."

Shria Patel
Executive

What does Pride mean to you?

"Pride for me is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate who they are and be proud of it. Being an ally is vital in ensuring that opportunity is in fact available to everyone."

Jeremy Holiday
Manager

What do you appreciate about PKF’s focus on diversity and inclusion?

"I think it can be hard for 'traditional' businesses to see the benefit of focussing on D&I at work. I appreciate that PKF has invested time and resources to make the workplace feel more inclusive. From sharing of heritage, culture and holidays, to the recent Pride workshop covering topics on gender, sexuality and even terminology. We have a very diverse firm and I am glad that leadership understands the importance of ensuring everyone feels like part of the team."

Megan Nolan
Manager

What does being an ally mean to you and why is it important?

"Using terms like ‘partner’ and sharing your pronouns, even though you are not LGBTQ+, helps to ease the challenges of those that have different gender identities. It's a small but easy way to make people feel included, and recognises our diversity."

Jenni Lawrence
Operations Director