Legal services regulators commit to creating a more inclusive profession
The signatories to the new principles outlined in a statement – Tackling counter-inclusive misconduct through disciplinary processes – acknowledged that, while there have been some improvements in diversity and inclusion, it was still harder to progress to senior levels as a lawyer if you were, for example, a woman, from a minority ethnic background, a disabled person, LGBTQ+, or from a lower socio-economic background.
The solicitors and bar disciplinary tribunals have undertaken to ensure that training, procedures and policies remain in place to enable them to impose sanctions that make clear the seriousness of sexual misconduct, racial or other discrimination or bullying. This was expected to “act as a deterrent and encourage the reporting of misconduct”.
The regulators have committed to “principles that will help create safe workplaces and enable lawyers to thrive, regardless of their background”. This included a commitment to tackling conduct that went against an inclusive culture.
Professor Janine Griffiths-Baker, interim chief executive of CILEx Regulation said: “Too many CILEX Lawyers tell us they feel patronised and looked down on, and so we are committed to working with others to tackle counter-inclusive behaviours. Ensuring everyone feels safe in the workplace is vital to creating equal and fair opportunities for progression.
“Our recently published EDI strategy fully supports the statement’s principles and commits us to further action to address barriers within enforcement processes and to support the professional journey of all CILEX members.”
Matthew Hill, chief executive of the Legal Services Board, said the announcement affirmed the group’s collective commitment “to doing everything we can to create a profession that is the most open and inclusive in the world”.