We aim to provide outstanding client service by maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence. To meet this objective we have a Diversity and Equality Policy, committing us to supporting equal opportunities for all.
Our commitment
We are committed to recruiting, training and promoting the best person for the job, regardless of gender, age, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or parental responsibilities. We are also committed to creating a working environment which is free of any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying and within which all individuals are treated with respect, fairness and courtesy.
The Diversity and Equality Policy applies to everyone working at Bircham Dyson Bell including employees, partners, temporary or agency workers, trainees, work experience students, secondees, contractors and consultants. Everyone is required to comply with the policy in all of their dealings with clients, colleagues and anyone else with whom they come into contact during the course of their employment or engagement. The policy applies not only when people are working on our premises or those of any client or contact, but also includes work-related social events, corporate events and travelling or staying away from home whilst on business.
WHAT ARE WE DOING TO DEMONSTRATE THIS COMMITMENT?
• As a signatory to The Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter, we believe that a commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential to reflect the society we serve today. It makes business sense because it helps us to attract and retain the best talent, it enables us to understand and meet clients' needs more effectively and so provide a better quality service.
• The Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Action Group, composed of three partners and the HR Director, was established to review all aspects of diversity and inclusion within the firm. The Strategy Action Group is responsible for identifying and setting the agenda and establishing the business case for all.
• Our diversity and inclusion intranet page provides all employees with useful and interesting information, links and news related to both internal our diversity and inclusion activities.
• Our series of Raising Awareness ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions both internal and external take place throughout the year. These informative and interactive sessions are open for all to attend across the firm and cover a variety of topics, presented by recognised specialists in their fields. Previous events have included a series of workshops for working parents including a session on ‘Managing Your Career Through Maternity’ for pre and post maternity women, a workshop “From Here to Paternity” for pre and post paternity men and a separate workshop for managers of working parents. In addition we have facilitated sessions on age, belief, disability and LGB issues in the workplace, as well as facilitated workshops on caring for the elderly, optimum male and female health and planning for your retirement.
• We are members of the Employers’ Forum on Age and Belief, the Employers’ Forum on Disability, Working Families and signatories of the Mindful Employer, all of which provide access to advice, information and practical support to ensure that we share and learn from good practice.
• As part of our commitment to widening access to the legal profession we offer work experience, careers advice and mentoring opportunities to students from non-traditional backgrounds in partnership with the Black Solicitors Network, the Black Lawyers Directory and Career Academies. We continue to facilitate a workshop at the Lawyers 2B Career Day attended by over 100 A-Level (or equivalent) students.