We are proud to publish our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report for 2026. Now in its ninth year, the data discussed is based on information provided by Totum candidates who signed up between January and December 2025.

This report shows information on the ethnicity, gender, age and social mobility of our candidate base. We also examine the makeup of our own people and report honestly on changes we have implemented, as we endeavour to provide true equity of opportunity across all roles and functions in business services.

Key highlights 

• More than a third (35%) of our candidates identify as either Black or Asian – a similar percentage to the 36% of 2024 and 2023.
• Our candidate base has always represented a good balance of male and female applicants – and that remains the case for 2025. 50% of our candidates identify as male, 43% as female, and 7% preferring not to say.
• At Chief and Director level, we are seeing true gender balance – our placements between 2022 and 2025 reflect an even 50:50 split between male and female candidates.
• We’ve previously noted that expectations around longer working lives may see us register more candidates in the 55-64 year old bracket. This year, 5% of our candidate base identified in this age range.
• Our figures show that 6% of our candidates identified as bisexual or gay in 2025, a single percentage point increase on our previous report.
• Last year was the first time we began asking candidates whether they identified as neurodiverse, with 3% saying they did. Our figures for 2025 show that 5% of our candidate base said they were neurodiverse.
• Social mobility is a key concern for Totum. While we still have some way to go, our percentage of candidates coming from a working class background is trending upwards, from 7% in 2023 and 6% in 2024 to 10% last year.
• For Team Totum, we are proud to represent five different generations in the workplace. Recorded at 35-44 (31%), 25-34 (19%), 45-54 (25%) and those aged 55 and above (19%).

Looking ahead

Totum believes that diversity of thought, experience and outlook is vital to ensuring that professional services firms are fit for the future. As a recruiter, we are committed to delivering equality of opportunity, a fair and unbiased recruitment process, and a positive impact on the communities we serve.

As both an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT) and a certified B Corp, we believe that the right culture, values, and behaviours are key to driving a sustainable, impactful business. Being accountable and transparent about diversity initiatives is a vital part of this.

We look forward to working with all parties to ensure we continue to do business better in the future.

To read our full report, click here or on the image above. 

To find out more about Totum Recruitment or Totum Research, contact [email protected]