Slaughter and May ranked for first time in Stonewall’s annual Top 100 Employer list
Slaughter and May has been ranked in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers 2017; the first time it has featured in the prestigious list.
The rankings reflect the UK’s best performing employers for lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) staff as measured by Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index, an annual audit of workplace culture.
The Workplace Equality Index received over 430 entries from companies in private, public and third sectors. Submissions detail the employer’s performance against a set of best practice criteria and include supporting evidence of initiatives undertaken. These criteria include: employee policy, training, career development and community engagement.
Staff feedback also plays a key role with employees asked a series of questions as to how comfortable and supported LGBT employees feel by their employer. Over 90,000 responses were received by Stonewall in total this year.
Slaughter and May’s LGBT community is built around PRISM, 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.
Murray Cox, a supporting partner of the PRISM network, said: “We are delighted to enter the Top 100 list for the first time and are pleased to be recognised by such a well-respected independent organisation. We take inclusion and diversity very seriously at the firm and will continue to work hard to maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for all our employees.”
Padraig Cronin, a fellow supporting partner of the PRISM network, added: “What was especially pleasing is that the survey includes feedback from our own people. Our ranking in the Top 100 demonstrates that they appreciate that the firm makes LGBT employees feel welcome and valued.”
Duncan Bradshaw, Director of Membership Programmes, Stonewall said: “Slaughter and May and all those who have made this year’s Top 100 Employers list have done a fantastic job, and really do put equality and inclusion at the forefront of their work.”
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 other law firms with which we have close working relationships.
- 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.
The group holds regular meetings, organises training events, hosts social nights and takes part in recruitment and networking events in partnership with InterLaw, OUTstanding and DiversCity.