Atul Shah has a good article in Accountancy Age this week, raising an issue of considerable importance. He says:

Professional bodies are a magnet for minorities of all kinds they provide a way for them to break the class barrier and maximise their skills and potential. In the UK, the accountancy profession attracts the largest number of ethnic minority applicants compared to any other profession. Look at any list of prize winners, and minorities ethnic Indians, Chinese, Africans and others will often be there.

I think he's right. And from my own experience as an employer I also think he's right when he says:

Every country in the world is represented in the UK profession and that is a staggering accomplishment.

But for the professions this also carries responsibility with it. As he argues:

Professional bodies have to be careful in ensuring their services are accessible to all and that they take account of the needs of minorities and ensure their full participation in the association. Here again, there is a huge challenge as diversity is in policy statements but not observed in practice.

That is a real challenge. I'm glad he's raised it. Will others now join the debate?