Slaughter and May ranked in Stonewall Top 100 Employers for third consecutive year
Slaughter and May today announces its inclusion in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers listing for the third consecutive year. The Stonewall Top 100 Employers is definitive list of the most LGBT-inclusive employers in Britain as measured by Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2019, 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 445 entrants taking part in the process to be considered amongst the Top 100 Employers.
To be included, each organisation had to demonstrate its expertise in 10 areas of employment policy and practice, including networking groups, senior leadership, procurement and how well it had 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.
Executive Partner, Paul Stacey said: “We understand the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace. To have been recognised as a Top 100 Employer by Stonewall for the third consecutive year is testament to everyone’s commitment at Slaughter and May to creating a working environment that supports its employees irrespective of sexual preference or gender.”
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 (35 per cent) 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 the Stonewall Index:
As part of the Index, there is a staff feedback questionnaire that participating employers can ask their staff to complete. This year, Stonewall received over 92,000 responses to the staff survey, making it one of the largest national employment surveys in Britain, with 17,300 LGBT respondents.
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.