Pinsent Masons named as one of Stonewall's Top Global Employers 2020

The firm, which made its debut on the Global Workplace Equality Index (WEI) in 2016, is one of 17 organisations to be included. The index showcases employers which uphold inclusive values globally and have made progress towards LGBT equality.

The announcement follows the firm being named as a top five employer for the fifth consecutive year, ranking fourth place in Stonewall's Workplace Equality Index UK in January this year. The firm has featured in the WEI UK for 13 years after becoming the first law firm to be included in 2008.

Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsent Masons, said:

"It’s critical that all of our people feel confident that they can bring their whole selves to work. Being part of the Index and working with Stonewall sends a powerful message to our people and our clients that we are committed to championing change and promoting inclusion across our business.

“The pandemic has underscored that the importance of equality doesn’t fall away at times of crisis. Rather, it takes on greater significance. As we grapple with the day-to-day challenges of life during the pandemic, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion and support for one another is all the more critical. More than ever, it's important that businesses take steps to promote diversity and champion change to ensure every person benefits from an inclusive working environment.

This year the firm has adapted its diversity and inclusion programme in response to the pandemic, holding its first ever global Pride celebration, with colleagues joining a virtual event via MS Teams. Furthermore, the firm hosted a virtual training event discussing how individuals can support D&I initiatives and improve allyship in a professional and personal capacity.

David Rennick, partner, Australia said:

"Our commitment to belonging and inclusion is a critical and a unifying aspect of our culture at Pinsent Masons. During these challenging times, collaborating with colleagues across our network and being creative in our approach to supporting everyone and promoting positive change is vital. We are very proud to see that Stonewall recognises the progress we have made."

 Inmaculada Castelló, partner, Madrid adds:

"The work the firm has done to develop and maintain an effective and powerful allies programme has formed a central aspect of the firm's global D&I work that is critical to championing diversity. Supporting all of our colleagues and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is something that all of us can play a part in."

Nancy Kelley, chief executive of Stonewall said:

“Pinsent Masons have demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that all their lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff and stakeholders feel included at work and we’re delighted to name them as one of our Top Global Employers for 2020. Our Top Global Employers are at forefront of driving global LGBT inclusion in the workplace and inspiring positive social change.  Their leadership is particularly important now, as we face unprecedented global challenges as well as attacks on LGBT rights and LGBT communities in many countries around the world.

“There is so much left to do to ensure that lesbian, gay, bi and trans employees feel able to be themselves at work, no matter where they are. We’re proud to work with Pinsent Masons who operate in some extremely complex environments, to create workplaces that are inclusive and supportive of LGBT people and equality.”