Slaughter and May announces social mobility targets
Slaughter and May announces social mobility targets
24/07/23
The Bridge Group is delighted to announce that Slaughter and May has become the first law firm to set social mobility targets, backed by a comprehensive action plan. The targets were set using robust and reliable data gained from a workforce analysis undertaken by the Bridge Group using data collected over a 10-year period.
The targets aim to increase the representation of low socio-economic background (LSEB) individuals in the firm as follows:
• Total population to 25% by 2033 from a baseline of 18.8%.
• Lawyer population to 15% by 2033 from a baseline of 10%.
• Business Services teams to 40% by 2033 from a baseline of 34.7%.
Slaughter and May has identified that having access to the best available talent, from a diverse range of backgrounds, is critical to their sustained success. An action plan will deliver the targets and drive a higher representation of LSEB individuals across the firm, building on good progress already made over the past decade to open up access to joining the legal profession through its various programmes.
Steve Cooke, Senior Partner at Slaughter and May said: “We want to be more intentional in our continued search for talent to ensure we bring the best people into our business. The targets we have announced today, together with others we have set in relation to gender and ethnicity, are part of an overall approach to ensure we are reaching the widest possible talent pool.”
Andrew Jolly, Corporate Partner and Chair of the Slaughter and May Social Mobility Working Group added: “Our detailed work with the Bridge Group shows that when LSEB lawyers come to Slaughter and May their progression is strong and they are just as likely as their peers from other socio-economic backgrounds to succeed in the firm. The targets and actions we have announced today focus on ensuring this continues to be the case as well as making the firm an attractive place to work for people from a wide range of backgrounds.”
Nik Miller, Chief Executive, the Bridge Group commented: “Addressing social mobility is a complex area for businesses and requires rigorous and robust data and analysis, backed by practical action. In taking this transparent approach and setting ambitious but realistic targets, Slaughter and May is leading the legal sector. We hope that this will inspire others to follow suit.”