Diversity and Equality Research
Diversity and Equality Study of the Northern Ireland Solicitor Profession 2022
The Society, under the leadership
of the Human Rights and Equality Group, commissioned its first ever Diversity
and Equality Survey at the end of 2021. This survey was conducted by Cognisense
on behalf of the Society and all results were anonymous.
The survey sought information on
a variety of issues and results revealed that whilst progress has been made in
some areas, there is much work remaining to be done.
The outcomes of the survey were
analysed, and the findings were presented to and considered by the Society’s
Council. Whilst it is acknowledged that all issues of concern identified within
survey responses require attention, two key areas were identified as initial
priorities. These two priorities are:
1. Improving
the experience of women in the solicitor profession.
2. Improving
access to the profession for minorities.
Following the identification of
the above priority areas, two working groups were formed to consider the issues
in depth and identify actions to address them. The groups include members of
the Society’s Council, the Human Rights and Equality Group, the Future of the
Profession and Education Committees, Society staff and external bodies. The
groups took advice from relevant experts including the Equality Commission for
Northern Ireland, Diversity Mark and the NI Judicial Appointments Commission.
The Society published its
‘Diversity and Equality Study of the Northern Ireland Solicitor Profession’ at
its Centenary Conference in September 2022. The report contains the findings of
the Diversity and Equality survey, and it concludes with an Action Plan which
targets the core issues of gender equality and increasing access to the
profession.
A copy of the study can be found here.
Diversity and Equality Action
Plan
The Diversity and Equality Action
plan (page 20) contains 11 priority areas of focus across four key themes:
·
Outreach/engagement
·
Overcoming Financial Barriers
·
Equality and Diversity Resources
·
External Equality Accreditation
The implementation of the plan
will be overseen by the Society’s Future of the Profession Committee and
progress will be reviewed regularly. Progress on the delivery of actions will
be reported to members and the plan will developed and adapted as required.
The Society hopes that the
delivery of the actions within the Action Plan will contribute towards
fulfilling the first steps towards a more diverse and equal solicitor
profession in Northern Ireland, which it is committed to achieving.
Ongoing/Future Research
Projects
One of the priority areas of focus
identified within the Diversity and Equality Action Plan was:
“We will carry out a further
in-depth qualitative research project with female leavers from private legal
practice to gain a better understanding of why they have left private practice
and to ascertain what might have encouraged them to stay or re-enter in future”.
This research project will begin
in Autumn 2022 and will be completed within a 12-month time-frame. Further
details will be published soon.