The Access Group Survey Tool - Frequently Asked Questions


Q: When should we start collecting our firms diversity data?

A: You can record your data at any time. The SRA have announced that firms will be able to submit their diversity data in late summer 2021. The data can be submitted through the SRA's portal which will remain open for a four week period.


Q: I am a sole practitioner / very small firm do I need to use the system?

A: The system is designed to assist with the collection and collation of a firm’s survey data. By using the diversity system, firms can offer their staff a safe and secure way of completing the survey whilst keeping the data 100% safe and anonymous. If you are a sole practitioner with no staff we recommend that you report your data directly to the SRA via its prescribed portal as no data collation and aggregation is required.


Q: Does the system automatically report the data to the SRA?

A: No. The system is a Data collection tool and for security reasons, the SRA does not allow 3rd party systems to integrate with its own. Whilst the diversity system will collect and collate the data we are unable to automatically send it to the SRA for you. Instead, you will be able to download a report that mirrors the mySRA input data screens, enabling you to quickly and easily input your diversity data into the SRA system.


Q: How many surveys do I need?

A: One for each member of staff. To meet the requirements of the SRA, you should ensure that all members of staff are provided with a survey link. The SRA's definition on who counts towards the numbers can be found on the SRA's website by clicking here

Q: When should we start collecting our firm's diversity data?

A: You should record your firm’s data on or as close to 31 March 2021 as possible. The deadline for reporting diversity data to ICAEW is the 30th April 2021.


Q: I am a sole practitioner / very small firm do I need to use the system?

A: The system is designed to assist with the collection and collation of a firm’s survey data. By using the diversity system, firms can offer their staff a safe and secure way of completing the survey whilst keeping the data 100% safe and anonymous. If you are a sole practitioner with no staff, we recommend that you report your data directly to ICAEW. Visit icaew.com/probatediversity to find out more.


Q: Does the system automatically report the data to the ICAEW?

A: No. The system is a data collection tool. The diversity system will collect and collate the data and it will produce an overall report that you should forward to ICAEW with your interpretation of your results.


Q: Where should I send my firm’s diversity report?

A: The downloaded report should be emailed to regulatorysupport@icaew.com along with a short paragraph that sets out your interpretation of the results.


Q: Who should complete the survey?

A: To meet the requirements of ICAEW, you should ensure that all members of staff (including temporary employees) are provided with a survey link. The ICAEW's definition on who should complete a survey can be found on ICAEW's website by clicking here and scrolling to "Who should complete the questionnaire?"


Access further FAQs and resources from ICAEW
Register for ICAEW’s upcoming webinar that will feature information on how to use our online survey tool

Q: Do my staff complete the surveys anonymously?

A: Yes. Once you have registered, the system will provide you with a link on your survey dashboard. Send this link to all staff, once they have completed their surveys the system will collate the aggregated data and you can then download your report without knowing specific individual data.


Q: Can I increase my Amount of Submissions?

A: Yes. On the main dashboard there is a button which lets you quickly increase the amount of surveys you've ordered and calculate the updated price.

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