Slaughter and May rises through the rankings in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers 2020
Slaughter and May today announces its rise through the rankings into the top 15 of Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers listing – a rise of 55 places. The fourth consecutive year in the rankings for the firm, the Stonewall Top 100 Employers is the definitive list of the most LGBT+ inclusive employers in Britain.
Measured by Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, an annual audit of lesbian, gay, bi and trans inclusion by employers across workplaces, services and communities, this year’s Top 100 was the largest ever with 503 entrants taking part in the process – a 12 per cent increase on last year’s.
Stonewall’s Top 100 is compiled from submissions to the Workplace Equality Index, a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to assess their achievements and progress on LGBT+ equality in the workplace, as well as their wider work in the community and on service provision. Each organisation must demonstrate their expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well they have engaged with LGBT+ communities.
Slaughter and May’s LGBT+ community is built around PRISM (Pride at Slaughter and May), the firm’s LGBT+ staff network. Established in 2009, PRISM is a platform for the firm’s LGBT+ staff to network and plays a central role in LGBT+ recruitment and the building of client relationships.
Slaughter and May Executive Partner, Paul Stacey said: “We are delighted to have been recognised again by Stonewall. That recognition helps reinforce our continuing commitment to foster a supportive, collaborative environment at the firm, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Partner Ewan Brown said, “Our significant rise in the rankings reflects our continued efforts as a firm towards greater LGBT+ inclusiveness. This year, we made a conscious decision not to focus on LGBT+ in isolation, but to collaborate with the firm’s other employee networks around topics such as mental health and parenting. The combined message has been powerful and really resonates.”
Darren Towers, Stonewall’s Executive Director said: “Slaughter and May and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list are making a huge difference to workplaces, services and communities across the UK. LGBT+-inclusive employers play a crucial role in changing society by using their power and influence to protect and support LGBT+ people. More than a third of LGBT+ staff still hide their identity at work for fear of discrimination; that has an impact on productivity, wellbeing and more and shows we still have lots to do. However, with organisations like Slaughter and May displaying such a strong commitment to LGBT+ equality, we are one step closer to creating a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees are welcomed and accepted without exception.’
About PRISM:
PRISM (Pride at Slaughter and May) is the Slaughter and May LGBT+ group. The Network is part of the firm's commitment to the values of diversity, inclusivity and equality, and aims to:
- Foster a positive working environment for LGBT+ individuals within the firm;
- Enhance our relationship with our clients’ and potential clients’ networks and allies as well as our Best Friends;
- Facilitate networking and support for LGBT+ individuals at the firm;
- Increase awareness of LGBT+ issues; and
- Develop leadership and advocacy opportunities for LGBT+ individuals, both within and outside the firm.
It holds regular meetings, organise training events, host amazing social nights and take part in recruitment and networking events in partnership with InterLaw, OUTstanding and DiversCity.
About Stonewall:
Stonewall is Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, working to create a world where every single person can be accepted without exception.
It was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. Stonewall continues to campaign and lobby government to change laws to ensure everyone, everywhere, is free to be themselves.
Stonewall works in partnership with a growing network of more than 750 organisations to help create real change for the better. It campaigns to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in communities, and empowers LGBT+ people and their allies to be role models wherever they live, work, study, shop, socialise or pray.
To get involved visit us at www.stonewall.org.uk/
Registered charity number 1101255