October 2023
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This conference looked at latest developments and next steps for equality, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
It was a timely opportunity to consider the progress of diversity in the legal profession and priorities for future improvement, and followed the Government announcement of plans to allow CILEX lawyers with seven years’ experience to apply to become Recorders and Judges of the Upper Tribunal.
The agenda included discussion on how the legal sector can support the career progression of minority groups to increase the visible diversity in senior legal roles, looking at examples from other sectors and assessing the success of mentoring and sponsorship techniques.
We also expected discussion on invisible diversity and issues across all levels in the profession.
Delegates examined the role of regulatory requirements as well as their effectiveness, initiatives and best practice in developing a diverse system, the social mobility of minority lawyers in the profession, and the impact of workplace culture on progression to senior roles.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Richard Orpin, Director, Regulation and Policy, Legal Services Board; Paul Philip, Chief Executive, Solicitors Regulation Authority; and Rupika Madhura, Director of Standards, Bar Standards Board.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- regulation: role in promoting EDI in the legal sector - regulatory requirements and priorities - initiatives and next steps - sector responsibilities - future areas of focus
- developing a diverse system: practical approaches - assessing progress - best practice in tackling barriers - reporting and use of data - setting frameworks and targets - priorities moving forward
- social mobility: widening access to legal education - attracting new lawyers - recruitment and retention - from mentoring to sponsorships - fostering progression to senior roles
- workplace culture: developing inclusivity to support career progression - opportunities for flexible working - supporting mental health and wellbeing
- the judiciary: priorities, next steps and prospects for improving diversity in judicial and senior legal roles
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from CMA; DBT; GLD; HMCTS; HMPPS; HMRC; HM Treasury; Home Office; IfATE; ICIBI; MOJ; NAO; OAG; OEP; Ofcom; Probation Service; Scottish Law Commission; The Insolvency Service; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
