EY, with the most ambitious goal of a 40% female equity partnership, currently stands at only 28%. PwC is also lagging, three percentage points behind its 30% target. While both firms have recently appointed women to top leadership roles, increasing the proportion of female partners has proven a slow process across the sector.

KPMG and Deloitte have met their UK targets, with Deloitte reaching its 30% goal ahead of schedule. However, both firms are set to miss their global partnership targets. The Big Four attribute the slow progress to the time required to build a pipeline of experienced female candidates for promotion, Financial Times reports.

KPMG UK emphasised its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and striving for better representation at all levels. Deloitte UK, while proud of its early achievement, pledged to continue working towards greater gender equality.