Grant Thornton’s Isle of Man office has achieved ‘Platinum’ Approved Employer status for Trainee Development from leading industry body the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

The recognition is the culmination of months of work by the firm, which employs 30 at its offices in Douglas and Ramsey, and is the highest and most prestigious level of the ACCA employer programme.

To qualify for ACCA’s Platinum status an employer must provide extensive support to trainees, including assigning an appropriately-qualified mentor, performing regular progress reviews and making financial contributions towards the cost of qualification. Achieving Platinum status demonstrates the firm adheres to the highest standards of training, has reached agreed performance targets and has provided evidence of continual improvement and innovation.

Richard Ratcliffe, a Director at Grant Thornton in the Isle of Man, said: ‘We have been an ACCA Approved Employer for professional development and practising certificate development for some time. We had previously held the Silver level for Trainee Development, but last year embarked on the lengthy assessment process to be recognised at the Platinum level.

‘This required us to complete application forms and provide plenty of evidence that we fully complied with, and in places exceeded, the stringent requirements set by the ACCA to be regarded as among the best of their Approved Employers.’

He added: ‘It is a marvellous recognition of the very high standards of training we set ourselves and for all those involved in mentoring and supporting our trainees in the Island. In 2014, Grant Thornton was named global Employer of the Year by the International Accounting Bulletin, and our achievement of Platinum Approved Employer status underlines that commitment to be a great place to work and a business dedicated to investing in the industry’s future.’

Photo - Richard Ratcliffe, Director, Grant Thornton Isle of Man.