Equality & diversity

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This subtopic provides guidance for law firms on equality and diversity. It contains information about:

  1. •

    regulatory requirements for E&D and diversity monitoring

  2. •

    diversity monitoring and data protection

  3. •

    protected characteristics

  4. •

    types of discrimination

  5. •

    drafting and implementing an E&D policy

  6. •

    equal pay and terms

  7. •

    gender pay gap reporting

Regulatory requirements

The SRA Principles require regulated individuals and firms to act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) (Principle 6). EDI is also relevant in relation to the requirements to act with integrity (Principle 5) and in a way that upholds public trust and confidence in the solicitors’ profession (Principle 2). SRA guidance on complying with Principle 6 sets out the SRA’s expectations in relation to compliance with the Standards and Regulations and your legal requirements in relation to EDI.

The Equality Act 2010 (EqA 2010) sets out a list of protected characteristics in respect of which discrimination, harassment and victimisation are prohibited.

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