Grant Thornton lowered the barriers that applicants from lower socio‑economic backgrounds might face when applying to the sector.

In 2013, the firm removed academic requirements from its entry-level hiring programmes, instead basing decisions on rigorous competency-based interviewing. Previous emphasis on work experience and extra-curricular activities has been replaced by coaching for all candidates to help them tell their stories most effectively. Digital interviewing minimises travel time and costs, and reduces interviewer bias at the early stages.

As a result, of around 400 students who are accepted each year across 26 locations, roughly 50% are school leavers.