SRA launches consultation on equality and diversity plans
29 September 2008
The SRA has published its first equality and diversity strategy and action plan, showing how it intends to promote equality and diversity in all it does.
Consumers of legal services, solicitors and other interested people are being invited to give their comments on the approach, priorities and timescales, and to make any other suggestions they may have in a consultation that will run until 23 December.
Chief Executive Antony Townsend said: "The SRA is committed to regulating in a way which is fair and consistent.
"Our draft strategy and action plan have been informed by the findings of Lord Ouseley's recent review of our regulatory outcomes. We're already driving forward a range of actions to ensure the principles of equality and diversity are firmly embedded in all we do.
"The strategy sets out to ensure that the SRA promotes equality and diversity across all equality strands of race, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion and belief. We intend to go beyond our legal commitments and strive for excellence.
"We're meeting key stakeholder groups to get feedback on our plans. However, we'd like as wide a range of feedback as possible, including from consumers of legal services, to help us meet the priorities of all our stakeholders."
The three key areas in which the SRA will promote equality and value diversity are:
- Fair regulator - we will be open, proportionate, non-discriminatory and transparent in the way we regulate a diverse profession.
- Inclusive, stakeholder-focused organisation - we will recognise, value and listen to all those with whom we deal.
- Fair employer - we will recruit, develop and retain a diverse, talented workforce.
For a copy of the strategy, action plan and a short consultation questionnaire, visit www.sra.org.uk/diversity, or contact us.
The SRA wants to be an employer of choice that attracts diverse talent and encourages people from minority groups to apply for its vacancies. For current vacancies, visit www.sra.org.uk/jobs.