Equal opportunities and inclusivity policy
We operate an equal opportunities and inclusivity policy which commits us to tackling discrimination and ensuring that people are treated equally and fairly, and with dignity and respect, whatever their background, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, marital status, age, disability, religion or belief.
As part of this commitment, we are rolling out a firm-wide diversity training programme and have introduced sections on diversity into other training programmes. We also have a dignity at work and harassment and bullying policy, and are working towards greater transparency in the promotion process. We seek to work with suppliers and contractors that share our values and commitments.
Work-life balance
We recognise that for some people, particularly those with caring responsibilities, flexible working is an important way of balancing work and life responsibilities and aspirations, and can be key to retaining and motivating these people who, in our experience, are often women.
We are looking at ways of helping our staff achieve a good work-life balance. We have in place flexible, part-time, home-working and job share schemes; beyond statutory maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave; fitness and team sports initiatives; and a 24-hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Flexible working
“Flexible working is an important element of inclusivity and one of the most challenging issues with which our firm has to deal, requiring us to take into account the request by the applicant and its implications for their clients and colleagues. It is an endorsement of our support that we now have over 180 lawyers and support staff on flexible working arrangements, including seven partners.”
David Gold, Senior Partner
Our priority is to give our clients first-class legal advice within an agreed time-frame, we know we can deliver this through a mixture of traditional office working and a more flexible approach to time and place, and an intelligent use of technology.
We have created a flexible working policy that is open to everyone at Herbert Smith. Our flexible working network group has recently been established and is chaired by Julia Pyke who is one of our partners and works flexibly.