IBA launches Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit
The International Bar Association has launched its Diversity and Inclusion ("D&I") Toolkit – a set of free, comprehensive guidelines designed to help law firms embed the core principles of diversity and inclusion into their organisations.
Originating as an initiative led by the IBA European Regional Forum Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, the project has expanded to ensure global relevance across jurisdictions, involving representatives from all IBA regional fora. It is endorsed by the IBA's Diversity & Inclusion Council.
A practical tool for all law firms, no matter their size and location, the kit can serve as a guide to those who are yet to start their journey in creating D&I strategies within their organisation; for improving and completing already existing practices; or for reviewing existing internal policies to determine whether all necessary aspects are covered sufficiently.
The toolkit is made to be flexible and to lead users through certain procedures where diversity and inclusion can be applied. It also offers helpful templates and a procedure for drafting a strategic D&I action plan. It teaches practitioners how to connect their objectives to the business plan of their company and begin the conversion around D&I.
In addition, to assist firms identifying actions and best practice, the toolkit provides a matrix that is designed around the career milestones of employees, such as attraction and recruitment, induction, career progression and the end of the working relationship.
Antonia Verna, chair of the IBA's Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, commented: "This toolkit was born out of a desire for real change amongst law firms in terms of their response to the question of diversity and inclusion. Having a diverse team of lawyers with experience from a variety of cultural backgrounds enables firms to be receptive to the commercial imperatives of global, transnational clients."