Our Societal Impact
Guided by our purpose and values, learn more about how we support our local communities and invest in our people to create an inclusive workplace.
Shaping a socially responsible future through our Purpose Projects
MHA is guided by its purpose and values; we strive to support local communities and are committed to contributing meaningfully to a sustainable society. Creating sustainable and responsible firms are of utmost importance to the individuals throughout MHA. We are determined to focus on the role we can play.
Our positioning statement ‘Global Expertise, National Experience, Local Excellence’ is reflected in the structure of our ESG policy which looks to ensure we are having a positive impact on the world around us. From protecting our environment globally, to supporting national and local communities with projects, we are demonstrating our commitment to our communities in many varied ways.
We are dedicated to investing in our people and ensuring an inclusive workplace to help them thrive, personally and professionally.
Societal Licence Framework
Much of the focus in sustainability has up to now tended to be on the environmental – E – of ESG, but that’s slowly changing as businesses and people increasingly take into account the social – S – issues. In reality there is often a lot more focus on E than S in the press, with investors and with stakeholders, but that’s because E is much more measurable – it’s straightforward to look at degrees Celsius and tonnes of emissions. Social factors, by contrast, can be much harder to measure.
The Bottom line is how can a company manage its relationships with its workforce, the societies in which it operates, and the political environment? This is the central question behind the “S”. At its core, the Social element is about building trust and in effect establishing a Social Licence (This is an aspect of MHA Thought Leadership). All business transactions are built around trust, and by promoting social good and forging healthy relationships, that level of trust between all stakeholders will grow, and stakeholder confidence (internal and external) will grow with it.
We see this in practical terms as follows:
- Workforce, Engagement & Training
- Community & Society
- Human Rights
- Data & IT Security
- Customers, Consumers & Practice
In establishing this concept to evaluate overall social performance from risk through to acceptance, we have been able to apply this internally to our own societal impact. Some highlights to celebrate in our successful implementation of the practical categories include achieving Cyber Essentials Plus and retaining our Investors in People Gold position. As we transition to full societal licence reporting for the year ended 31 March 2025, we will take the following sections to spotlight the work done in the areas of Community & Society, and Workforce, Engagement & Training more closely.
Charitable Giving and Volunteering
Our people truly go all out for their communities by supporting incredible charities through fundraising activity. From our contributions to local charities close to our employees, to supporting national campaigns such as Macmillan Coffee Morning and Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day, MHA is committed to shaping a socially responsible future for all.
Building on regional success in the North West, MHA will shortly be launching its national charitable commitment: MHA 1892 Foundation. With a primary focus on improving access to financial education for the next generation, the MHA 1892 Foundation will be our people’s way of continuing to support their local communities on a bigger scale.
We also recognise that we are in a unique position to support our communities by donating our time, skills and knowledge. This is why we give all our employees one full day allocation per year to volunteer for causes which are important to them, and align with our Firm’s values and Purpose Projects.
One of these key Purpose Projects is to support young people within our communities to improve their work, life and financial skills. That is why MHA partnered with ICAEW’s Rise programme, to support secondary school aged students advance their personal and professional skills, and allow our people the opportunity to help shape the next generation.
Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Societal Impact (DIBS)
MHA’s seven DIBS employee networks serve to bring colleagues together from across the firm with a shared interest in advancing diversity and inclusion, whether as a member of an underrepresented group or as an ally. Each network has a nominated Sponsor who sits on the Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Societal Impact (DIBS) Committee.
The role of the sponsor is to act as an advocate for their network, provide leadership and represent the group’s interest at monthly meetings.
| Who we are | What we do | How we make change happen |
|---|---|---|
Disability and Neurodiversity Network | Aim to bring awareness of and provide a voice for colleagues who have disability, neurodiverse condition, or long-term health condition within MHA. | We actively celebrate important awareness days and are currently working with HR to review and improve the firm's onboarding processes. |
Family and Carers Network | Aim to bring awareness of and provide a voice for working parents and carers within the firm by opening discussions and providing a forum to promote best practice. | Review policies and benefits while advocating for our working parents by sharing personal stories through podcasts and communications. |
Faith, Religion and Belief Network
| Aim to promote an understanding of and good relations between all regions and beliefs across the firm. | Publish awareness communications and host webinars to celebrate major religious festivals. |
Gender Equity Network
| Aim to champion equal opportunities for all employees and works to support the recruitment, development, advancement, and engagement of a gender-balanced workforce. | Evaluate policies, celebrate significant awareness days such as International Women’s Day, and lead an annual gender sponsorship program. |
Pride Network | Aim to promote the awareness of and provide a voice for the LGBTQ+ community within MHA.
| Celebrate key awareness days like Pride and LGBT+ History Month, while integrating gender pronouns into IT systems to facilitate their inclusion in communications. |
Race and Ethnicity Network | Aim to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the firm and provide a voice for those from underrepresented backgrounds. | Celebrate key awareness days and host a bimonthly film club to explore and discuss themes related to race and culture. |
Wellbeing Network | Aim to support, inspire and promote employee wellbeing across the firm focusing on physical, mental and financial wellbeing. | Recognise a range of awareness days and organise activities that promote strong well-being and a healthy work-life balance. |
Find out more about our own internal ESG journey & how we use our knowledge to help clients
Corporate Responsibility
Our Governance Framework
MHA's Sustainability Promise
