Associate Director, Adam Munro, recently spoke to Accountancy Age 35 under 35 winner Thabiso Matsau CA(SA) of HaysMac about inclusive learning and the importance of it – for both professionals and organisations at large. Thabiso is a Senior Training and Technical manager, and a guiding force for over 200 graduates through their journey to qualification. This includes the highly technical nature of compliance and professional standards – areas in which training is core to the client experience. Here’s what Thabiso had to say.
The accounting profession prides itself with technical excellence, high professional standards and compliance with the relevant regulations. With the profession growing year on year, there continues to be challenges that many firms are affected by, ranging from talent shortages, increasing regulatory expectations, client demands and the wider impact of economies of scale. As a result, inclusive learning becomes one of key factors that can contribute to long term success.
Inclusive learning: what is that about?
Inclusive learning is not merely about having access to various training courses or platforms. It’s about intentionally creating experiences that lead to meaningful, lasting impact.
At its core, inclusive learning focuses on creating safe and supportive spaces where people feel valued and respected to learn. It is underpinned by designing development initiatives that embrace diverse backgrounds, identities, career pathways, learning styles and lived experiences. True inclusive learning ensures that everyone – from early career professionals to senior leaders have equitable opportunities to develop, empower others and contribute to a culture of continuous growth. When executed well, it shapes mindsets, strengthens leadership and creates sustainable, long-term impact.
Thabiso Matsau, Nicky Dockree and Natasha Frangos at the 35 under 35 awards night.
Why does Inclusive Learning matter?
In a world where technology is changing, AI is progressing at an unprecedented pace yet people remain at the heart of every organisation. Coupled with the pressures of the accounting profession, such as public scrutiny, complex standards and tight deadlines. One element that ultimately drives the impact and outcomes of these pressures and/or circumstances is an organisations culture. Culture is everything and involves collective ownership to ensure that an organisation fosters an environment where people feel seen, heard, supported and genuinely appreciated.
Inclusive learning is a fundamental principle in building and sustaining this kind of culture. Why? Because without it a firm risk losing diversity of thought at every level where judgement matters; leaders lack progressive thinking and the ability to bring people along the journey, which ultimately leads to disengaged talent and staff.
So, you ask me why inclusive learning matters?
Well, it’s simple. It:
- Improves quality of work by fostering critical thinking and psychological safety.
- Supports talent retention in a profession that aims to invest in ‘the leaders of tomorrow’.
- Drives future readiness, as AI and technology continue to accelerate and reshape traditional roles in the profession.
- Strengthens leadership diversity, enhancing decision-making, credibility and trust.
In an industry that is ever-evolving and frequently changing, finding the right way to train individuals is crucial. Doing so in an effective, inclusive manner is key to remaining competitive and compliant.
With 2026 set to bring a lot of change for firms, and the developments of AI impacting workflows for this year and beyond, investing in quality training and upskilling should be at the forefront for modern firms.
AJ Chambers ® would like to thank Thabiso for his time and thoughts, and would like to encourage you to share your thoughts in the comment section.
AJ Chambers Recruitment Ltd,