News

Shakespeare Martineau commits to ‘change the race ratio’ campaign

Published: 1st December 2020
Area: Firm News

Shakespeare Martineau has demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion by being one of the first 50 companies to sign up to CBI’s ‘Change the Race Ratio campaign.

Change the Race Ratio is a coalition of senior leaders committed to taking action to increase racial and ethnic participation in businesses.

As part of this campaign, Shakespeare Martineau has pledged to take action and promised to work towards the following four commitments: increase racial and ethnic diversity among board members, increase racial and ethnic diversity among senior leadership, be transparent on targets and actions, and create an inclusive culture within which talent from all diversities can thrive.

CEO at Shakespeare Martineau, Sarah Walker-Smith, said: “Taking responsibility for equality, diversity and inclusivity is not just a nice thing to do, or a moral thing to do, it’s actually a commercial thing to do.

“It’s better for business, better for the economy, better for society, better for the world.

“While we are successfully shifting the gender balance in senior positions and have a good track record in social mobility and LGBTQ representation, we are aware that we need to improve our position when it comes to ethnic diversity in our senior leadership teams, and by pledging to campaigns like this we are holding ourselves accountable for that change.”

The firm will sit alongside the likes of Sainsbury’s, Centrica and HSBC Global Asset Management as signatories of the campaign.

Shakespeare Martineau is also a member of the Business in the community (BITC) race at work charter and was recently named as the first major employer to sign up to the fair redundancy pledge. Further commitments include; the COVID-19 pledge and Social Mobility Pledge as the firm continues to create a level playing field for all.

Sarah added: “2020 is providing us with a unique opportunity to make a permanent change in our thinking, behaviours, words and actions and we pledge to ‘be the change we want to see’ and make a difference to our people, future generations and the communities we serve.”

How can we help?

Our expert lawyers are ready to help you with a wide range of legal services, use the search below or call us on: 0330 024 0333

SHMA® ON DEMAND

Listen to our SHMA® ON DEMAND content covering a broad range of topics to help support you and your business.

Employment Breakfast: Disciplinary Processes – Getting them right

13 Dec

Nick Jones, Partner - Employment | Cecily Donoghue, Senior Associate - Employment
Employment Breakfast: Disciplinary Processes – Getting them right

Employment Law experts Nick Jones and Cecily Donoghue will guide attendees through an overview […]

Biodiversity Net Gains – new mandatory requirements for developers

30 Nov

Anna Cartledge, Partner | Louise Ingram, Partner
Biodiversity Net Gains – new mandatory requirements for developers

New mandatory requirements (introduced by the Environment Act 2021) will drive the delivery and […]

Directors’ Forum: Social Housing – In the eye of a perfect storm

23 Nov

Louise Drew, Partner & Head of Building Communities | Jon Coane, Partner
Directors’ Forum: Social Housing – In the eye of a perfect storm

Registered providers are facing more challenges than ever, with increasing demand conflating with growing […]

Leicester Curry Club – November

22 Nov

Lisa Botterill, Partner
Leicester Curry Club – November

Our next Leicester networking lunch of 2023 will take place on Wednesday, 22 November […]

Our Latest Thoughts

All the latest views and insights on current topics.

Shakespeare Martineau Appoints Midlands Corporate Partner

28 Nov

Nottingham

Shakespeare Martineau Appoints Midlands Corporate Partner

Read article Right Arrow

Shakespeare Martineau Appoints Eight Newly Qualified Solicitors

28 Nov

Firm News

Shakespeare Martineau Appoints Eight Newly Qualified Solicitors

Read article Right Arrow

We are ranked in The Times Best Law Firms 2024

27 Oct

Firm News

We are ranked in The Times Best Law Firms 2024

Read article Right Arrow

Birmingham Team Welcomes Legal Director

25 Oct

Birmingham

Birmingham Team Welcomes Legal Director

Read article Right Arrow

Birmingham Tech Week 2023 – Key takeaways

24 Oct

Birmingham

Birmingham Tech Week 2023 – Key takeaways

Read article Right Arrow