The law firm has a clear business case for this belief: the greater its diversity of staff, the better it can respond to the diversity of its clients and attract better talent into the firm to better serve them.
The firm launched its diversity board in 2008 and since then has adopted a number of initiatives to improve and nurture a diverse attitude to talent.
But the judges were drawn to two stand-out campaigns.
'Everyone is IMEqual' is specifically designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, which incorporates both members of these groups, as well as 'straight allies' who support the activity. The group has focused on awareness campaigns, support at LGBT Pride events (see picture), business seminars, drop-in clinics and lunch-and-learn sessions.
Not only has this dedication earned Irwin Mitchell a place on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, which ranks its top 100 gay-friendly employers, but staff are comfortable to 'be unashamedly me' at work, safe in the confidence their sexuality can't hold them back or mean they are treated any differently from peers.
And Irwin Mitchell has dedicated itself to be a great place for women to work. Its IMPowered gender networking group, which raises awareness and promotes female leadership, has meant the company now has the second highest number of female equity partners (30%) of any law firm in the UK.
The firm also has networks for race and religion (IMRespect), age (IMAge) and disability (IMAble), all of which incorporate integrated communications networks, toolkits to help members of the communities to be confident in the challenges they face and targeted action, campaigns and involvement in local communities.
Members of the networks are encouraged to work across the diversity streams and last year the company held a conference for Asian female solicitors, featuring a speaker from the IMPowered network.
Its ethos of embedding diversity in the very DNA of the business, matched with its ongoing reviews into diversity provisions, have gained the respect of Stonewall, Opportunity Now, Race for Opportunity, Employers Forum on Disability and the Black Solicitors Network.
The HR Excellence Awards judges were impressed and encouraged by the entry, making special note of the branding around the campaigns.
Finalist
• Balfour Beatty
