Diversity & inclusivity

Becoming a diverse & inclusive firm.

We know how important it is for everyone in our firm to be valued and supported. It’s vital we have an inclusive environment where everyone feels able to participate as individuals and achieve their potential.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I)

Regardless of our identity, background or circumstance, we all deserve equal opportunity to develop our skills and talents to our full potential, work in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment, be fairly rewarded and recognised for our work and have a meaningful voice on matters that affect us.

 

A strategy for change

Our DE&I strategy was developed from employee survey feedback, as well working with our Network Groups (and Allies to Advocates group). This allowed us to create four key areas of focus: 

  1. Diverse leadership
    Ensuring the decisions we make as a business reflect diverse voices and opinion.
    Improving diversity at all levels but particularly in our leadership.
  2. Diverse development
    Educating ourselves on how diversity & inclusion can make us a better firm.
    Providing better training and support for all individuals, with equal opportunity to develop skills and talents.
  3. Diverse recruitment
    Making sure we are a firm that attracts people from under-represented groups.
    Opening up more apprenticeship positions and outreach activities.
  4. Building awareness
    Educating ourselves through training, such as: unconscious bias, stress, mental health, and equality & diversity.
    Having informed conversations by listening to the ideas from our network groups.
A strategy for change
This year we’re focusing on 8 key activities that align with our strategy. In the longer-term, we hope to review our original DE&I survey data to see our progress, fully embed our strategy and vision for a more diverse and inclusive firm, and partner with an external organisation to formally review our progress firmwide.

Erica Coombs-Prole, Director of People & Development

Diversity

Our network groups

Our network groups provide an opportunity for people to be able to share experiences, provide each other with support on a variety of issues and advise the firm on specific actions and activities to make Hoare Lea as inclusive as possible. Currently, we have these network groups:
• Ethnicity and Culture
• Families
• Gender Balance
• LGBTQ+
• Neurodiversity