An important step was to hold a series of virtual “Inclusion Labs”. Facilitated by Lumorus, these group discussions provided a safe space in which our people could be open and honest about their lived experience and learn from each other. “The feedback was phenomenal,” says Romeo. “We heard people say: ‘for the first time I was able to share my experience, I can really see the Firm is taking this seriously’.” He also recognised “a deep commitment” to the project “from senior leadership down.”

"As an external firm we were able to provide an objective viewpoint and the process revealed some areas we can improve on and gaps we can fill," says Romeo, who appreciates that the Firm is “really digging deep to understand what it needs to do” in terms of increasing inclusion.

We’re proud of the work we’re doing – not only this audit process, but also our participation in other partnerships. These include signing up to the Halo Code, which champions acceptance of cultural and ethnic hairstyles, acknowledging they are an important part of people’s identity and offering employability and networking events to different groups such as the Black Male Empowerment Network (BMEN); a network which unites, motivates and empowers members of the black male community. To further show our commitment to support young black people entering the world of work, Charles Russell Speechlys signed up to take part in the #10,000BlackInterns programme, which offers paid work experience to young black people in the UK. We plan to host 10 interns over the next five years, giving them insight into roles available in the legal sector.

We’re also committing to doing more over the coming months and years. Says Rebecca: “We know that this is not an issue that is going to fixed in the next five minutes, but I’m excited that the Firm has committed to developing short-term, medium-term and long-term objectives to make a difference both within our firm and the wider community.”