Ask an ambassador: inclusive culture
In this third episode of our 'ask an ambassador' series, Alice is joined by fellow social mobility ambassadors Helen Shay and Julie Condliffe to explore inclusive cultures within workplaces and throughout the profession, particularly in the context of social mobility.
Alice, Julie and Helen also explore:
- the impact of data collection and analysis of the workforce on inclusion
- how organisations can use quantitative information to develop both inclusion and diversity
Speakers
Alice Kinder (she/her)
Alice has an active role in the Birmingham legal community.
She is chair of the Birmingham Law Society Social Mobility Sub-Committee, and also sits on the Birmingham Law Society Council and Equality and Diversity Committee.
Alice became a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society in 2021.
Julie Condliffe (she/her)
Julie Condliffe is social mobility ambassador and the founding partner at Creative Legal Solutions Solicitors t/a Creative Legals.
An atypical solicitor who was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, Julie worked at Dentons and many other law firms before setting up her law practice.
Her unenviable background and desire for change are what propels her to champion diversity and inclusion.
Her goal is to empower other people from an “underprivileged background” and, for them, be the senior visual representation she wishes she had when she started, as we all need that.
Her message is simple, “if I can do it, so can you”.
Helen Shay (she/her)
Helen Shay commenced her career in private practice, specialising in commercial property.
She has since spent most of her time as in-house general counsel across several sectors, including:
- high street retail (Next plc)
- financial services (Financial Ombudsman Service and Skipton Building Society)
- higher education (York University)
Helen also currently serves on the board of the Universities Superannuation Scheme and with charity/not-for-profit bodies
She has focused on various legal areas, including equality-related and previously sat on a regional CPS Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel.
Helen became a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society in 2021.