GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Professional Services Industry Statistics

The professional services industry has been slow to improve diversity, with women comprising only 23.9% of corporate board seats and ethnic minorities representing just 8.1% of executive positions.

🔥 Brand New

Our Free Guide: Master the Art of AI-Assisted Research

In our guide, we’ll show you how small tweaks and additions to your research process with AI can significantly improve your academic work.

Highlights: Diversity In The Professional Services Industry Statistics

  • By 2025, women are estimated to comprise 28% of partners in law firms.
  • In 2021, 57% of UK professionals in the accountancy industry were male.
  • Only 3% of professionals in the consulting industry in the U.S. are African American.
  • In 2020, 37% of new hires in the public accounting field were minorities.
  • LGBT+ professionals occupy only 2.7% leadership positions across the professional services industry.
  • In the U.S., only 13% of architecture employees are minorities.
  • In 2019, women represented only 38% in management consulting workforce.
  • 85% of accountants in Africa are male.
  • As of 2019, 29% of survey respondents in legal professions reported a disability.
  • 68% of partners at U.S. law firms are white men.
  • Only around 20% of law firm partners in the U.S. and UK are women.
  • Only 6% of Master of Architecture graduates in Australia identified as Indigenous.
  • Less than 10% of UK engineers are female.
  • Women represent 46.9% of all employees in the U.S. accounting services industry.
  • As of 2021, 83% of tech professionals in the UK are male.
  • In the UK, only 2% of IT professionals are Black.
  • 55% of event professionals feel there is a lack of diversity within the industry.
  • People of colour account for just 13.9% of professional occupations in finance and insurance.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Speed up your source research process with AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

In today’s rapidly evolving professional services industry, the importance of diversity cannot be overstated. Diversity in the workplace has been shown to have a range of benefits, from promoting innovation and creativity to improving decision-making processes. In this blog post, we will explore the statistics surrounding diversity in the professional services industry, shedding light on key trends and highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in the workforce. Let’s delve into the numbers and uncover the impact of diversity on this dynamic sector.

The Latest Diversity In The Professional Services Industry Statistics Explained

By 2025, women are estimated to comprise 28% of partners in law firms.

This statistic indicates that by the year 2025, it is projected that women will make up 28% of the partners in law firms. This suggests a gradual increase in gender diversity within the partnership ranks of law firms, signaling a potential shift towards more equitable representation of women in leadership positions within the legal industry. The statistic reflects efforts towards promoting gender equality in the legal profession and highlights progress towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within law firms, which can lead to greater innovation, collaboration, and success in the legal sector.

In 2021, 57% of UK professionals in the accountancy industry were male.

The statistic “In 2021, 57% of UK professionals in the accountancy industry were male” indicates that within the accountancy industry in the United Kingdom, a majority of professionals were male, with men representing 57% of the workforce. This statistic highlights a gender imbalance within the industry, suggesting that there may be disparities in representation or opportunities between male and female professionals. Analyzing these gender demographics can provide insights into potential areas for improvement in terms of gender diversity and inclusivity within the accountancy sector, with a focus on promoting gender equality and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all professionals regardless of their gender.

Only 3% of professionals in the consulting industry in the U.S. are African American.

The statistic that only 3% of professionals in the consulting industry in the U.S. are African American highlights a significant disparity in representation within this sector. This statistic suggests that there is a lack of diversity and inclusion within the consulting industry, with African Americans being underrepresented compared to their overall proportion in the U.S. population. This low representation may indicate systemic barriers or inequality in hiring practices, promotion opportunities, or access to education and training within the industry. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the consulting sector and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to individuals of all backgrounds.

In 2020, 37% of new hires in the public accounting field were minorities.

The statistic that in 2020, 37% of new hires in the public accounting field were minorities indicates the proportion of individuals belonging to minority groups who were recruited as new employees in the public accounting industry that year. This statistic suggests that there is a significant level of diversity among new hires in this particular sector, with nearly four out of every ten new employees being from minority backgrounds. This may reflect positive efforts by organizations within the public accounting field to promote inclusivity and diversity in their workforce, which can bring a range of perspectives and experiences that can benefit the industry as a whole.

LGBT+ professionals occupy only 2.7% leadership positions across the professional services industry.

The statistic indicates that within the professional services industry, individuals who identify as part of the LGBT+ community hold a disproportionately low percentage of leadership positions, at just 2.7%. This implies that there is an underrepresentation of LGBT+ professionals in positions of power and influence within the industry. Such a disparity may suggest systemic barriers or discrimination that prevent LGBT+ individuals from ascending to leadership roles. Addressing this discrepancy is important not only for diversity and inclusivity but also for promoting equal opportunities and representation in the workplace. Organizational initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as policies that foster a supportive and accepting work environment, could help rectify this imbalance and create more equitable opportunities for LGBT+ professionals.

In the U.S., only 13% of architecture employees are minorities.

The statistic that only 13% of architecture employees in the U.S. are minorities indicates a significant lack of diversity within the field. This statistic suggests that racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the architecture workforce, potentially leading to a lack of diverse perspectives and experiences in the industry. The low representation of minorities in architecture may be indicative of systemic barriers to entry or advancement in the field, as well as potential issues related to recruitment, retention, and opportunities for career growth for individuals from minority backgrounds. Increasing diversity within the architecture industry is not only important for creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce but also for fostering innovation and creativity through differing viewpoints and experiences.

In 2019, women represented only 38% in management consulting workforce.

The statistic that women represented only 38% of the workforce in management consulting in 2019 indicates a gender imbalance within the industry. This suggests that a significant disparity exists in opportunities and representation for women in leadership and decision-making roles within management consulting firms. The low percentage of women in the workforce may be indicative of barriers to entry, glass ceilings, or systemic biases that hinder the advancement and equal representation of women in this particular field. Addressing these issues is important in promoting gender diversity, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment within the management consulting industry.

85% of accountants in Africa are male.

The statistic that 85% of accountants in Africa are male suggests a significant gender imbalance within the accounting profession on the continent. This information indicates that there is a disproportionate representation of males compared to females in the field of accounting in Africa. Such a discrepancy may be influenced by various social, cultural, and economic factors that could potentially limit opportunities for women to enter and thrive in the accounting profession. Addressing this gender disparity in the accounting sector is crucial for promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workforce, as well as maximizing the potential talent pool available for the profession in Africa.

As of 2019, 29% of survey respondents in legal professions reported a disability.

The statistic indicates that as of the year 2019, 29% of individuals working in legal professions who participated in a survey self-reported having a disability. This information suggests that a significant proportion of individuals within the legal field may be dealing with physical, cognitive, or mental health impairments that could impact their work. The statistic highlights the importance of understanding and addressing issues related to disabilities in the legal profession, such as ensuring accessibility, accommodation, and support for individuals with disabilities to facilitate their full participation and success in the workplace.

68% of partners at U.S. law firms are white men.

The statistic stating that 68% of partners at U.S. law firms are white men indicates the demographic composition of the leadership within the legal profession in the United States. This statistic reflects a significant overrepresentation of white men in leadership positions within the legal industry, suggesting potential disparities in opportunities and advancement for individuals from other demographic groups. It highlights a lack of diversity and inclusivity within law firms at the partner level, which may have implications for issues such as representation, equity, and access to opportunities within the legal profession. Addressing this imbalance and promoting diversity initiatives are important steps to create a more inclusive and representative legal sector.

Only around 20% of law firm partners in the U.S. and UK are women.

This statistic indicates that there is a significant gender disparity among law firm partners in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with only about 20% of partners being women. This suggests that women are underrepresented in leadership positions within the legal profession, which may reflect longstanding systemic barriers and challenges that women face in advancing their careers in law firms. The low representation of women in partnership roles may also have implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, highlighting the need for greater efforts to promote gender equality and support the advancement of women in the field of law.

Only 6% of Master of Architecture graduates in Australia identified as Indigenous.

The statistic ‘Only 6% of Master of Architecture graduates in Australia identified as Indigenous’ indicates that a small proportion of individuals graduating with a Master’s degree in Architecture in Australia identify as Indigenous. This figure highlights the underrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in this particular field of study, signaling potential disparities in access to higher education, support systems, and opportunities within the architecture industry for Indigenous students. Understanding and addressing the reasons behind the low proportion of Indigenous graduates in this field can be crucial for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities within the architectural profession in Australia.

Less than 10% of UK engineers are female.

The statement “Less than 10% of UK engineers are female” suggests that there is a significant gender imbalance in the field of engineering in the United Kingdom. This statistic indicates that women are severely underrepresented in the engineering industry, with fewer than one in ten engineers being female. The low percentage of female engineers may reflect broader systemic issues related to gender inequality, limited opportunities for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and social or cultural barriers that discourage women from pursuing careers in engineering. Addressing this imbalance and promoting gender diversity in the engineering sector is essential for fostering inclusivity, innovation, and progress in the field.

Women represent 46.9% of all employees in the U.S. accounting services industry.

The statistic that women represent 46.9% of all employees in the U.S. accounting services industry indicates the proportion of female workers relative to the total workforce within this specific sector. This figure suggests that almost half of the employees in the accounting services industry are women. It highlights a relatively balanced gender distribution within this industry compared to other sectors where gender disparities may exist. This statistic can be indicative of the industry’s efforts towards promoting diversity and equality in the workplace, as well as potentially reflecting the educational and career opportunities available to women pursuing careers in accounting services in the U.S.

As of 2021, 83% of tech professionals in the UK are male.

The statistic ‘As of 2021, 83% of tech professionals in the UK are male’ means that out of the population of tech professionals in the UK, 83% identify as male while the remaining 17% identify as female or other genders. This statistic reflects a gender imbalance in the tech industry, with men being overrepresented compared to women. The reasons behind such a disparity could be attributed to various factors such as historical gender biases, societal expectations, and unequal opportunities in education and career advancement. Addressing this imbalance is important for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equality in the tech sector, which can lead to improved innovation, creativity, and overall industry growth.

In the UK, only 2% of IT professionals are Black.

The statistic “In the UK, only 2% of IT professionals are Black” indicates a significant underrepresentation of Black individuals within the IT industry in the UK. This figure suggests a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the sector, which may have implications for equal opportunities, representation, and perspectives within IT-related fields. The low percentage of Black IT professionals could also be indicative of potential barriers or challenges faced by Black individuals in accessing and advancing in this particular industry, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to address diversity and inclusion within the IT workforce in the UK.

55% of event professionals feel there is a lack of diversity within the industry.

The statistic that 55% of event professionals feel there is a lack of diversity within the industry reflects a significant concern regarding the representation and inclusivity within the field. This indicates that a sizable majority of professionals in the event industry perceive a deficiency in the diversity of individuals from different backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. This statistic suggests that there may be systemic barriers or biases within the industry that hinder the full participation and opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the event industry to promote diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all professionals.

People of colour account for just 13.9% of professional occupations in finance and insurance.

This statistic indicates that people of colour are significantly underrepresented in professional occupations within the finance and insurance industries, comprising only 13.9% of the workforce. The low percentage suggests a lack of diversity and inclusivity within these sectors, reflecting potential barriers or biases that may be hindering people of colour from advancing or entering these professions. Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting a more equitable and representative workforce, fostering innovation and varied perspectives within the industry, and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their racial background.

References

0. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

1. – https://www.www.frc.org.uk

2. – https://www.www.aicpa.org

3. – https://www.mercer.com

4. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

5. – https://www.legaltalknetwork.com

6. – https://www.www.ifac.org

7. – https://www.www.imeche.org

8. – https://www.www.statista.com

9. – https://www.www.consultancy.org

10. – https://www.architectureau.com

11. – https://www.www.mckinsey.com

12. – https://www.www.lawcareers.net

13. – https://www.www.lawsociety.org.uk

14. – https://www.diversityintech.co.uk

15. – https://www.www.eventbrite.co.uk

16. – https://www.www.npr.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!