A new scheme launched this week that will give law firms the opportunity to develop their approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with 12 months of free support from firms recognised as leaders in the field of EDI.
The scheme aims to create more inclusive workplaces and businesses which will help benefit not only staff, but clients and businesses themselves. Support will be proved by one-to-one monthly mentoring sessions with the mentor firm as well as being given access to a wide range of support materials, networking opportunities and advice.
Mentoring can focus on the individual needs of each participant, which can include looking at their overall approach to EDI. Firms can focus on specific issues or developing certain areas such as business practices and policies, as well as culture.
The scheme has developed following a similar scheme previously run in conjunction with the Law Society and Stonewall, that had focused on LGBT+ issues.
Paul Philip, Chief Executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), said:
“The more inclusive a business is, the better environment it creates for both its employees and potential clients. That is all the more important at a time of uncertainty and against the backdrop of wider concerns about equalities in society as whole. By giving firms of all sizes the opportunity to learn directly from some of the most successful and largest law firms in the country, this scheme has the real potential to deliver meaningful and direct benefits to all those involved.
“Mentor firms are all top performing law firms, many of whom have been nationally recognised for their approaches to EDI by organisations such as The Times or Stonewall. They include Baker Mckenzie, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Clifford Chance, DWF, Eversheds Sutherland, Hogan Lovells, Norton Rose Fulbright and Thrive Law.
“The mentoring scheme builds upon a similar project we ran in 2018, in conjunction with the Law Society and Stonewall, which focussed specifically on LGBT+ issues. To apply to take part in the scheme firms simply need to complete a short expression of interest form on the SRA website by 12 August 2020.”
