How the Equality and Diversity Section can help you
The Equality and Diversity Section is designed to help you keep up-to-date with regulation, news and best practice. It offers:
- Support to comply with equality and diversity legislative and regulatory requirements
- Insight from leading specialists into current best practice
- Specialist training and guidance on key equality and diversity issues
- Networking opportunities with peers and experts
Join today and see how your practice can benefit from equality and diversity in almost every area of your business including:
Recruitment - finding the right people for your organisation from a wide talent pool.
Staff retention - a diverse and flexibly-supported workforce can help to reduce staff turnover and absenteeism.
Client relationships - being more aware of your clients' needs and having the right skills in your organisation to better meet those needs can help to strengthen your client relationships.
Reputation - organisations' social contribution and commitment to equality and diversity may be evaluated by clients, suppliers, potential employees and regulators. Best practice in equality and diversity is not just a legislative requirement - it can help to enhance your reputation in your community and beyond.
Compliance - the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has embedded equality and diversity through Principle 9 of the SRA Handbook. Implementing best practice can help you to meet your legislative and regulatory obligations.
Embedding equality and diversity in regulation
The SRA has embedded equality and diversity within the SRA Handbook through Principle 9 which states that you must 'run your business or carry out your role in the business in a way that encourages equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.'
The SRA's equality and diversity requirements apply in relationships with clients and others, and mean that everyone in your practice has a role to play in ensuring compliance with the requirements.
In addition, your practice must comply with requirements set out in legislation including the Equality Act 2010. It is no longer enough to have a policy in place. Your practice needs to demonstrate measurable activity and take steps to encourage diversity. The Equality and Diversity Section can support you in meeting your obligations.
How do I join?
Simply complete and return the membership form (PDF 706kb).
For enquiries please email equalitysection@lawsociety.org.uk.