Celebrating the individual

Diversity is such a priority for us that Senior Partner Quentin Poole heads up a diversity forum to ensure we deliver on our commitment to attract and retain a truly diverse pool of talented people. In fact, we're rather more interested in celebrating the fact that we're all individuals. One of the great things about being a Wragge & Co person is that you can be yourself. Within the business we:

• create an inclusive and collegiate culture where everyone is valued and respected
• raise awareness of diversity in the workplace (we all celebrate the different cultural festivals represented in the firm)
• listen to our people, involve them and share information
• operate consistent and fair human resources (HR) employment policies
• offer a wide range of training opportunities for all employees
• work to a clear framework on career progression where everyone has the opportunity to succeed

Some of our initiatives include a range of flexible working options, (25% of our people work part-time or flexibly), enhanced maternity package, fertility treatment, a confidential counselling service (which also covers family members) and a contemplation room. In addition, for working parents, we offer childcare vouchers.

Outside the business we're committed to promoting equality and diversity in areas where we have any influence such as with suppliers, contractors and recruitment agencies.

Some of our success stories are:

• to dispel common misconceptions about our profession, we held a series of open days for local schoolchildren. Over 400 schoolchildren have attended these days where we give an insight into life as a commercial lawyer and explain the career routes
• in our Mentoring Mornings, teams of people from across the business present Life at Wragge & Co sessions to local schools
• working with the University of the First Age, we host a week of skills workshops – including research, debate and negotiation skills - for students from minority or underprivileged backgrounds
• working with Blind in Business to invite blind and visually impaired individuals to spend time with us on a placement scheme
• celebrate all cultural and religious festivals and use our screensavers to mark those key dates.

Want to know more about what we're doing on diversity? Just contact linda_bellis@wragge.com, Director of HR.