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Promoting an inclusive environment
The Firm’s push to provide an inclusive environment for everyone was recognised by LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, which rated Charles Russell Speechlys 53rd in its Workplace Equality Index 2022.
The Index helps organisations to assess their progress on LGBTQ+ equality. This year the Firm achieved a Top 100 ranking for the first time and was ranked 11th in the legal sector. We also received a Stonewall Gold Award and our LGBTQ+ Network was Highly Commended.
Over the last 12 months, the Firm’s LGBTQ+ Network has raised its profile by hosting a series of internal events. We heard from guest speakers, including the first professional transgender motorsports driver, Charlie Martin, who drew a big audience. This summer, more than 70 people attended the Firm’s weekend pre-Pride celebration party, including members of legal sector LGBTQ+ network, LeGalBesT.
In addition, more people across the Firm have added their pronouns to their email signature and the LGBTQ+ Network collaborated with the Firm’s Knowledge Development Team to create gender-neutral drafting guidance and incorporated it into the Firm’s precedent documents.
James Bateman, Associate and Co-Chair of the Firm’s LGBTQ+ network, says one of the most encouraging signs is the number of people who have signed up to join the Network. “As soon as people start at the Firm and find out about the Network they want to join, which is fantastic because not only do they know about us and want to find out what we are doing, they also want to get involved,” he says.
“We had hoped to make the Top 100 in Stonewall’s Workplace Equity Index, but to be knocking on the door of the Top 50 within the space of a year and for the Network to receive Highly Commended Network Award was a real achievement.”
Richard Honey, Senior Associate, Private Client, Charles Russell Speechlys
Driving change
Another key milestone for the Network was the inclusion of Richard Honey, Senior Associate and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Network, in the Future Firm Group. “I think it is very important a firm takes a top-down approach to D&I because there is nothing better than leadership driving change and people seeing change driven from the top,” says Richard. “As a gay man I found it very difficult to identify with anybody within the Firm when I qualified seven years ago, and that can be quite isolating. You're not quite sure how to represent yourself at work, you're not sure whether you can be your true self. I wouldn't want anybody else who is starting out at the Firm to ever feel like that — no matter what their background.” “We're obviously very proud of what we've achieved over the last couple of years, particularly with the additional challenges of the pandemic,” says James. “We have worked hard to consider different ways of developing and providing an inclusive work environment to the LGBTQ+ communities and to help engage with our allies.” The LGBTQ+ Network is eager to build on the progress it has made and James says the Network is looking at how it can work collaboratively with the other D&I Networks at the Firm to better understand and tackle intersectional challenges.
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