Who
Founded in 1980 is a global organisation of accounting and consulting member firms which provide assurance, tax and specialist advisory services (SAS) to privately held businesses, public interest entities, and public sector entities.
Member firms within the global organisation operate in over 100 countries. Member firm fee income rose by 14% in 2008 to US$4 billion. There are over 2,600 member firm partners, total member firm personnel of over 30,000 and 4,000 member firm personnel in the UK.

What
For every new assignment Grant Thornton International conduct a thorough client take on process that covers anti-money laundering, ethical issues and other professional risk assessment measures. All of our assignments are managed in accordance with well-established internal guidelines.

The firm has a dedicated ethics partner who provides confidential advice and guidance to other partners and members of staff regarding professional ethics. He also chairs Grant Thornton’s professional issues panel, which assesses the impact on the firm of changes in professional standards and regulations.

They benchmark their performance against their peers and other businesses, using Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index.

Their people are crucial to their success and their aim is to be an organisation which is considered to be a great place to work. They are committed to developing a culture where all their people are given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, enjoy fulfilling careers and meet their personal goals.

They adopt best practice in all aspects of their employment relationship, and ensure that their HR strategies promote diversity and equality of opportunity. They offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, operate flexible employment policies, and strictly adhere to workplace health and safety guidelines.

The firm’s procurement processes require their suppliers to demonstrate good environmental, social and ethical management practices which will be taken into consideration wherever possible in making their selections.

Grant Thornton has a long tradition of supporting local communities as a responsible corporate citizen. They support named charities on a national and local level and organise many fundraising events. Matched funding (to agreed limits) helps to boost the efforts of their staff. They support charities dealing with the aftermath of major natural disasters. They plan to establish a Grant Thornton Foundation that will support their selected charities as well as special appeals.

They have various initiatives underway to promote greater awareness and educate their people on the impact their activities may have on the environment and how it can be reduced. These include reducing the environmental impact of their business travel, cutting their consumption of paper and energy, and increasing their re-use and recycling of waste.

Why
Grant Thornton International balance practical, workable solutions that are anchored in the real world, with an original approach capable of driving the firm and its clients forward. Behind this leading-edge thinking is an unbending commitment to the ethics, principles and standards that underpin our profession.

Business benefits

• People and Workplace – HR strategy to promote diversity & equality
• Fairness and Respect – client service programme to deliver exceptional service

Community benefits

• Community Involvement – support charitable and community organisations
• Environmental concern – awareness of their carbon footprint through their Carbon Reduction Committee initiative

Website www.grant-thornton.co.uk