Equality & Diversity
Chambers is committed to providing equality of opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, sex, gender re-assignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, religion or belief, political persuasion, pregnancy or maternity.
We have a designated Equality & Diversity Committee who are committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals, clients and the public are treated with dignity and respect. They conduct work on policies, internal reviews, organise training sessions and work on outreach to ensure that the Chambers is a place of diversity and inclusion. Some examples of the types of outreach undertaken by chambers is set out below:
10,000 Black Interns
Chambers partners with the “10,000 Black Interns Foundation” who provide paid internship for Black students and graduates looking to have a career at the Bar. Chambers has a long standing partnership with the foundation, funding places for annual summer internships and providing career mentorship. For more information see:
https://10000internsfoundation.com/our-programmes/
For a number of years Chambers has also partnered with the London Academy of Excellence, an academically selective school based in Tottenham, Haringey. Members of chambers, including many members of the E&D Committee have committed to providing career mentoring, insight into law events and work experience for students. We have held annual advocacy competitions, seeing students donning the wig and gown and playing “barrister” in front of their peers.
Chambers also works closely with the alumni department to help former students with kickstarting their careers at the Bar. Over the years there have been many successful partnerships with students and alumni, allowing them to gain real life access to the courtroom and using advocacy as a tool in gaining confidence from an early age.
For more information see:
Bridging the Bar
Over a number of years Chambers has partnered with Bridging the Bar, an organisation which assists in levelling the playing field for those applying to the Criminal Bar.
Training & Surveys
We regularly hold in-house Equality and Diversity training sessions, for all members involved in recruitment and for all members of staff. We are committed to the furtherance of Equality and Diversity and promoting access to the legal profession and to the Bar.
Our 2021 Equality & Diversity Survey results
Facilities For Those With Disabilities
Chambers is accessible to people using wheelchairs and will consider any reasonable adjustments for disabled people working with Chambers or receiving legal services. Some areas of our building may not be suitable for those with mobility issues but we are always prepared to visit clients at an alternative venue or can make suitable arrangements to ensure all needs are met. Please contact our Administrator, Nicki Crew, if you would like to discuss any particular needs.
Maternity & Paternity Policies
Chambers recognises that these are extremely important policies, both to individual members but also to chambers as a whole. We are committed to encouraging and supporting members of Chambers following the birth or adoption of a child and enabling them to continue to build successful practices. Chambers has dedicated policies which are under constant review by the relevant committees in accordance with updates, reviews or new guidance provided by the BSB or any other relevant body. This includes, for example, the recent Key Pledges by “Women In Criminal Law” relating to working practices at court, fertility, parenting and menopause. Most importantly these are kept under review following feedback by individual members of chambers.
For further information, please contact Nicki Crew for a copy of the Chambers’ written statement on Equality and Diversity.
