Diversity

This firm is committed to avoiding discrimination in its dealings with clients, members, employees and all other third parties that have dealings with the firm. It is committed to promoting diversity in its professional activities.

This policy applies to the firm’s activities in recruitment, selection and progression covering Members, employees & consultants.

This policy deals with all professional dealings by personnel with clients, other solicitors, barristers and third parties, and so covers:
• Accepting instructions from clients.
• Using experts and counsel.
• The provision of services to clients.
• Dealings with those representing others.
• Interaction with everyone involved in or incidental to the provision of services by the firm.

The firm’s policy covers discrimination on the grounds of the protected characteristics (“PCs”) set out in the Equality Act 2010:
• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender re-assignment.
• Marriage and civil membership.
• Pregnancy and maternity.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.

In addition to the firm’s obligations not to discriminate against, harass or victimise those with a disability, the firm is also subject to a duty to make reasonable adjustments to prevent those members, employees and clients who are disabled from being at a disadvantage in comparison with those who are not disabled.

For that reason, any breach will be regarded as a serious disciplinary offence. If anyone is concerned that a breach of this policy has occurred or may be occurring, or has a complaint that they have been the victim of a breach, they should immediately report this to the Practice Manager as “Responsible Person”. Depending on the nature of the breach this would be dealt with under the Grievance procedure or the Disciplinary procedure.

The firm’s Equality & Diversity policies are continually reviewed and updated.