Navigating EDI and wellbeing obligations in legal practice

In recent years, the regulatory spotlight on law firms has intensified, with the SRA taking an increasingly robust approach to enforcement and imposing significant financial penalties where firms have failed to meet their regulatory obligations. Alongside this heightened focus on compliance, the profession has also seen a growing emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), together with the wellbeing of both staff and clients.

While some view increased regulatory scrutiny as a necessary means of maintaining professional standards and public confidence, others question whether it can create additional pressures for firms already operating in a challenging environment. With changes in leadership at the SRA and a continuing focus on workplace wellbeing, firms are being encouraged to develop cultures that are not only compliant but also supportive, inclusive and sustainable.

Against a backdrop of ongoing social, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, this webinar will explore the current EDI and wellbeing landscape, examining both regulatory expectations and practical measures that firms can take to foster positive workplace cultures and reduce risk.

Topics covered include:

• EDI awareness amongst the profession
• The statutory basis – the Equality Act in outline
• The Rules
• Wellbeing steps that all firms should now have in place
• Some recent examples