Bates Wells

At Bates Wells, we foster creativity, encouraging everyone to contribute to a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Led by two partners, our Diversity & Inclusion Forum (DIF) serves as an umbrella for creative groups and networks that span the entire firm. Ambassadors within these groups play a pivotal role in shaping the DIF strategy, outlining objectives, and driving future actions.

Our DIF groups represent a cross-section of the firm, spanning practice areas and support roles. Initiatives, conceived by members regardless of seniority, aim to contribute positively to the world. These efforts are integrated across governance, strategy, policies, and support tools, ensuring a coordinated approach across inclusion themes.

Key initiatives include:

Reach

• The Race, Ethnicity & Cultural Heritage (REACH) group focuses on promoting understanding around race and ethnicity through events, discussions, and campaigns like our Anti-racism Declaration.

• REACH advises on diversity initiatives and collaborates with other DIF groups to assess recruitment and retention policies.

• Regular roundtables provide a platform for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to share ideas, experiences, and concerns, fostering a continuously inclusive environment.

• Collaborates with RISE on initiatives like adopting the Halo Code and coordinating Black History Month programs.

UnstoppABLE

• Our UnstoppABLE Disability and Carer Network empowers disabled individuals, carers, and those with caring responsibilities, as well as neurodiverse individuals.

• Through education and events, the network aims to improve understanding around disability, care, and neurodiversity, fostering a safe environment for disclosure and support.

• Utilises external speakers to educate and recently hosted a talk during Disability History Month on invisible disability and chronic illness.

Faith at work

• This group promotes internal understanding and collaboration with faith-based clients through Faith at Work lunches, offering insights into different faith traditions.

• Recognized with a Belief at Work Award from ComRes for creating a workplace that acknowledges and understands belief as a significant aspect of employees' lives.

Step

• The Seeing Talent, Excellence and Potential in everyone (STEP) Group focuses on removing barriers to working in a law firm.

• Maintains partnerships with organizations like Sutton Trust, offering events and virtual schemes to broaden access to opportunities for students from various backgrounds.

Bates Wellness

• Our Bates Wellness initiative emphasizes a holistic approach to wellbeing, aiming to create a positive work experience for everyone.

• Virtual drop-in sessions throughout the year cover topics such as the menopause and small steps towards good mental health.

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