The Insolvency Sector Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, a joint initiative between the restructuring, turnaround and insolvency trade body R3 and the Insolvency Service, has published its 2025/26 Action Plan.
- Building on the work done in previous years, 2025/26’s Plan focuses on five specific areas of activity:
- Identifying barriers to progression.
- Sharing best practice on development and progression.
- Repeating R3’s 2021 survey of the profession, to identify whether the demographic make-up of insolvency has changed.
- Continuing to promote careers in the insolvency and restructuring profession.
- Continuing dialogue with the profession and exam-providers to understand and address the barriers to taking exams and obtaining insolvency licences.
Caroline Sumner, Chief Executive Officer at R3 and Co-Chair of the Insolvency Sector EDI Steering Group, says: “Identifying how we can break down barriers to progression in the profession and understanding if, and how, the demographic make-up of the profession has changed will build on the work we have done to date and help lay the foundation for future action plans and workstreams. This will then help us further support the profession’s efforts to be as equitable, diverse and inclusive as possible.”
Angela Crossley, Co-Director of Strategy, Policy and Analysis at the Insolvency Service and Co-Chair of the Insolvency EDI Steering Group, says: “The insolvency profession has made significant strides in its aims to become a more inclusive and progressive place to work and develop. This Action Plan aims to continue to build on these successes, with a focus on discovering what barriers remain and supporting those with an interest in becoming part of the insolvency community.
“The Insolvency Service is proud to play a key role in these ambitions and be part of a group championing the profession.”
The Steering Group’s network of EDI Champions, senior members of the profession who support the Group’s activities, will be central to the success of its work. The Champions have already met for one roundtable event this year to discuss how they can support the work of the Group and share best practice on apprenticeship, school leaver and graduate recruitment, and onboarding staff who are at the start of their careers. A further roundtable is planned for October.
To view a copy of the 2025/26 Action Plan, visit: https://r3.org.uk/press-policy-and-research/policy-research/the-insolvency-restructuring-profession//page/1
About the Insolvency Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group was formed in 2021 by the Insolvency Service and R3 to bring together those working within the insolvency profession to discuss, understand and take action, to address barriers to inclusion and diversity. It supports the profession’s work to represent the people it serves and ensure the profession’s sustainability.
Its members are:
- Angela Crossley – Co-Director of Strategy, Policy and Analysis at the Insolvency Service and Co-Chair of the Group
- Aydin Djemal – Chief Executive, BHA
- Claire Hardgrave – Co-Director of Strategy, Policy and Analysis at the Insolvency Service
- Jo Hewitt – Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting
- Holly Holgate – Head of Resolution & Insolvency Department, Financial Conduct Authority
- Yvonne Joyce – Professor in Accountancy, Glasgow University (with alternate Dr Christopher Flanagan – Lecturer in Accounting)
- Samantha Keen – EY UKI Strategy & Transactions Chief Operating Officer, Restructuring Partner, EY-Parthenon
- Caroline Sumner – Chief Executive Officer of R3 and Co-Chair of the Group
- Francesca Tackie – Director, Mercury Corporate Recovery Solutions
- Jeni Morgan – Senior Policy Advisor, Insolvency Service
