Diversity reporting is set to become more straightforward for law firms, following a Law Society practice note issued today.
The practice note follows guidance issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), for the first time requiring firms to make their own arrangements to collect their workforce data.
From this year, firms will also be required to publish a summary of their workforce diversity data.
All practices regulated by the SRA, including sole practitioners, recognised bodies and alternative business structures (ABSs), are required to collect, publish and report their workforce diversity data, while in-house practices or other bodies not regulated by the SRA are exempt.
The characteristics to be reported include job status and role as well as age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic background and caring responsibilities.
The Law Society practice note provides best practice guidance on complying with the new regulatory requirements issued by the SRA.
Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, president of the Law Society, said:
'It's important that firms understand the diversity of their own organisations. They can only improve diversity if they know what to target.
'The Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter already provides guidance and support on collecting, monitoring, storing and publishing data in a way that complies with SRA guidance.
'For firms that have yet to sign up to the Charter, the practice note will show that complying with regulatory requirements can help them identify opportunities to develop greater diversity, opening the door to talent they may have been overlooking.'
Read the practice note
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