Shepherd & Wedderburn recognised in new UK diversity ranking

Shepherd & Wedderburn has been ranked in the inaugural list of the UK’s top 25 legal employers for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff, the only Scottish-headquartered law firm to make the list.

The firm has been placed 19th in the Top 25 in the Legal Sector listing, published by Stonewall and the InterLaw Diversity Forum as part of Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index (WEI).

The WEI is recognised as the definitive national benchmarking exercise for employers to measure their progress on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT+) inclusion in the workplace.

Organisations are ranked by Stonewall based on a number of criteria, including workplace policies and benefits, senior leadership, monitoring, the performance of LGBT+ employee network groups, community and client engagement and employee feedback.

In its report, Stonewall said: “Shepherd & Wedderburn have demonstrated that they have considered the experiences and requirements of LGBT+ people throughout their policies and procedures”. The firm had “demonstrated considerations for LGBT+ identities throughout the employee lifecycle, there has been recruitment from diversity websites, training that includes specific LGBT content and consideration for the professional development of LGBT+ staff”.

It further notes that the firm has “undertaken a range of activities over the past year to advance LGBT+ equality, both internally and externally”.

Chief executive Stephen Gibb commented: “We are pleased that Stonewall and the InterLaw Diversity Forum have recognised the efforts we have made, and continue to make, to be an inclusive and diverse workplace.

“Shepherd & Wedderburn is a people business that values and rewards the contribution of colleagues, right across our organisation. The firm is proud of its inclusive and collaborative culture, both internally and when working with clients, and is committed to encouraging and supporting diversity and social mobility. We strive to promote a meritocratic culture that encourages career progression regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or socio-economic background.”