"By fostering open dialogue and actionable change, the Equality Council will ensure we not only represent marginalised groups but actively champion their voices."
The initiative, whichwas unveiled at the firm’s annual conference, has been created to promote inclusivity, amplify underrepresented voices, and tackle systemic barriers within the organisation and the wider protection sector.
The council’s key objectives include championing fair representation for marginalised groups, encouraging allyship, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all staff and advisers. It will review company policies, advocate for inclusive practices, and hold Access FS accountable for its diversity and inclusion (D&I) commitments.
The council will identify challenges, propose solutions and support cultural change to ensure the brokerage reflects the diverse communities it serves, with regular feedback and transparent reporting to help embed D&I into the company’s operations.
The Equality Council will include six members — three employees and three advisers — with the adviser roles rotating quarterly to bring fresh perspectives. Currently, 92% of Access FS advisers come from minority backgrounds, representing 23 different national communities, while almost a third (32%) of the adviser team are women.
Access FS marketing director Nick Jones said: “The Equality Council is a pivotal step in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its role is to scrutinise what we do, how we do it, and how we can improve to better embrace difference. By fostering open dialogue and actionable change, the Equality Council will ensure we not only represent marginalised groups but actively champion their voices. We’re taking applications for Equality Council partners at the conference, and we welcome anyone passionate about inclusion to join us in shaping a fairer, more equitable future for Access FS and the wider industry.”
