The Legal Services Board (LSB) has shared new proposals that aim to support equality and diversity in the legal profession and is inviting feedback from across the sector.
The proposals would replace existing guidance published in 2017 and amended in 2020, setting out a new framework for regulators to drive consistent improvement across the sector.
The consultation – open now until 2 March – also seeks views on what additional steps the LSB could take to encourage diversity, beyond its proposed statement of policy.
‘Despite some progress, the legal profession does not represent the people it serves’, the LSB said.
“Many groups still face barriers to entering the profession and developing their careers in legal services. Women, minority ethnic groups and disabled people, for example, remain significantly underrepresented at senior levels across parts of the profession.
“Greater diversity benefits the profession as well as consumers, and would enable the sector to fully realise its potential for economic growth.”
The proposals set out a range of measures to ensure the LSB and legal services regulators meet their legal obligation to encourage a diverse profession.
Regulators would be required to take strategic and collaborative action using evidence and data to identify barriers and opportunities; make sure regulation is fair and inclusive, with processes and decision-making that actively support equality and diversity; ensure routes into and through the profession are accessible for talented people from all backgrounds, while still upholding high professional standards; and drive cultural change through professional conduct and competence frameworks that embed respect, inclusion and wellbeing.
Richard Orpin, interim chief executive of the LSB, said,
“A diverse profession helps to build public trust, improves outcomes for consumers, and supports innovation and growth. However, progress has been slow and uneven.
“Our proposals build on extensive research and engagement, including insights from lived experience, data analysis, and dialogue with professionals and other groups across the sector. They provide clear expectations for regulators and are designed to support meaningful, measurable change.”
Catherine Brown, interim chair of the LSB, added,
“This work is part of a wider, concerted effort across the sector to harness the diversity of the profession – for consumers, for the legal services market, and for society as a whole.
“We thank everyone who has fed into these proposals so far and look forward to hearing a wide range of views on how we can work together to shape a profession that is inclusive, resilient, and fit for the future.”
Legal Services Board: Consultation on policy statement on ‘Encouraging a diverse legal profession’.
