Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives
While we recognise that more can always be done, initiatives which our UK offices have been involved in include:
Dignity at Work
The operation of the firm's Dignity at Work Policy is overseen by our Diversity Group, which is chaired by a member of our Executive Board. The Group's remit is to ensure our recruitment, retention and employee engagement strategies help Taylor Wessing remain an inclusive workplace where everyone has a full opportunity to flourish.
We have undertaken a detailed consultation project and, led by the Executive Board, are undertaking a programme of specific initiatives aimed at enhancing the career development of our female solicitors.
We provide a multi-faith room for prayer or quiet contemplation to facilitate religious observance.
In recognition of the importance of family life to many of our staff and partners, we have recently begun working with Care for the Family, a charity which aims to promote strong family life and to assist individuals with difficult personal circumstances.
We participate in the Law Society Firms' Diversity Forum. The aim of this forum is to inform the Law Society's work, to promote progress on equality and diversity across the profession and to share best practice within the group.
Graduate Recruitment
We aim to encourage more candidates from a broad range of backgrounds by participating in a number of initiatives which focus on school pupils and under-graduates from under-represented and disadvantaged groups. Examples of steps taken are:
- Participating in the Social Mobility Foundation and the Black Solicitors' Network work placement schemes. Both these schemes assist bright A-level students from underprivileged backgrounds secure work experience placements with leading professional services organisations.
- Participating in QS Leadership Forum's "Diversity in Leadership" event in 2006 and 2007. This event targets talented black and minority ethnic students with a view to providing them with direct access to career opportunities with a range of organisations. We were one of the first law firms to work with QS on this.
- In 2008 we started to work with the Black Lawyers Directory (BLD), whose aim is to make a real difference by highlighting and promoting diversity in law. BLD provides information to graduates, highlights the talent of black and minority ethnic lawyers and others in the legal profession and runs a variety of personal development schemes for young people aspiring to a career in law.
- Working directly with African, Caribbean and Asian Societies at universities with a view to sponsoring events and introducing members to the firm. In 2009 we were the first ever business sponsor of City University's Diversity Show, which celebrated and showcased the talent of the university's multi-cultural make-up.
Promoting inclusion and diversity through community action
Our many charitable and community initiatives help to create a culture where people are encouraged to think beyond their office life.
We have strong links with our local communities and over 15% of our UK partners and staff have participated in one or more of our volunteering schemes. Our schemes provide assistance to local schools whose pupil profiles are drawn from minority groups, as well as charities which care for the elderly and homeless people. Read more about our initiatives in our Corporate Social Responsibility pages.