Find out more about the demographic make-up of our core boards and committees, how this compares with our wider membership and how we’re working to further diversify representation.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and inclusive governance, we publish the demographic make-up of our core boards and committees every two years. These core boards and committees are our main governance functions and include ICAS Council, Regulation Board, Qualifications Board, Members Board, Policy Leadership Board, Ethics Board, the EDI Committee and the Sustainability Committee.
Our latest update compares governance representation directly with the wider ICAS membership, giving a clear picture of where we’re ahead and where further action is needed.
What the latest data shows
- Ethnic diversity: Ethnically diverse people make up 8% of our core boards and committees, compared with 9% across the wider membership.
- Gender balance: Female representation on our core boards and committees has increased by 3% since 2023, now sitting at 42% compared to 36% across the wider membership.
- Disability and caring responsibilities: 5% of core board and committee members have disclosed a disability compared with 4% across the membership, and 11% have caring responsibilities compared with 12% in the wider membership.
- LGBTQIA+ inclusion: 4% of core board and committee members identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, compared with 2% in the wider membership.
- Age profile: 48% of members on our core boards and committees are aged between 30-49 years old, compared with 50% in this age category in the wider membership.
Over the past 18 months, we have:
- Introduced open calls for committee positions to improve transparency and accessibility.
- Continued investment in social mobility initiatives like the ICAS Foundation, Rise and Access Accountancy to build a pipeline of future leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Amplified diverse member voices through strategic storytelling and events, including leadership stories from the South Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities and our Championing Unique Perspectives campaign.
- Expanded ICAS networks, to include a Black Members Network, CA Women’s Network, and a Newly Qualified Network.
- Achieved Silver accreditation from Investors in Diversity.
- Continued to be a signatory to HM Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter.
Strengths and opportunities
Our governance shows stronger representation than our membership average in several areas, notably gender, ethnic diversity, disability inclusion, and caring responsibilities. Opportunities remain to broaden the age diversity of governance roles by engaging more early-to-mid career members.
Looking ahead
Our focus for the next 18 months includes:
- Embedding inclusion and wellbeing in all onboarding and governance development.
- Revisiting training on unconscious bias and inclusive decision-making for chairpersons.
- Scoping a long-term board readiness programme for aspiring leaders, with emphasis on intersectional inclusion.
Explore the full picture
The infographic below provides a detailed breakdown of how our governance compares to the wider membership.
