A major new survey surrounding diversity within the region's professional services industry has been launched.
Business networking body BPS Birmingham Future is carrying out the research for the first time into diversity and inclusion across the West Midlands.
It said it hoped the study would examine the gap between the demographics and voices represented by this sector and the city as a whole.
The data gathered from the survey, due to be published early next year, will help the body develop a greater understanding of the current challenges people face in the workplace and how the organisation can tailor its efforts to have the most impact.
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The research is being led by Birmingham Future's diversity and inclusion committee which was formed in April to ensure the city's professional services sector was accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Chairwoman Ria Blagburn said: "We're very pleased to be launching this survey so we can better understand where the sector currently is in terms of diversity and inclusion and where people are interested in getting to.
"Key for us is working out how we can help employers and employees realise the benefits of having a truly diverse and inclusive workforce so we want to learn all we can from individuals and organisations to help us better understand existing problems and areas for development.
"We will be running this survey on an annual basis, with this first year's results setting a benchmark for our work in championing diversity and inclusion within the professional services sector and we're hoping to see a positive change in results year on year."
The anonymous survey can be found online here and the deadline for comments is November 30.
