Diversity and Inclusion

Date: 1 Sep 2009

SJ Berwin has a very strong commitment to diversity. We have embodied this in a clear set of policies and have an enthusiastic Diversity Committee and energetic working groups focused on issues that are important to us: age, disability, ethnic background, gender, religion, sexual orientation and social inclusion.

SJ Berwin’s Diversity Committee comprises representatives from across the firm led by one of our senior partners. Working groups meet bi-monthly to discuss key issues and events which shape the firm’s diversity agenda for London. Each of the sub-groups is open to new members and always welcomes suggestions.

We value all of our people for their skills, experience and potential regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion or disability. We believe in recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from the widest pool in order to meet our clients’ needs and to promote a stimulating, rewarding and inclusive environment where everyone’s contribution is recognised, valued and respected.

We have a robust equal opportunities and dignity at work policy as well as a partnership deed that clearly states the firm’s core values. These focus on our people, our aim to create a happy and harmonious working environment and our wish to maintain the highest standards of integrity with everyone with whom we deal. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, disability, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, family status or any other irrelevant factor and continue to encourage a meritocratic culture that values openness, fairness and transparency. All Partners and employees are responsible for the promotion and advancement of this policy. Our policies are applicable to all employees, clients, suppliers and contractors whether permanent or temporary. They also apply to all of our processes relating to employment, training, development, performance management and reward.

Our emphasis on the diversity of people is part and parcel of our overall strategy of creating and maintaining an inclusive working environment.

In support of our approach to employment, training and development, performance management and reward, we also have the following policies/programmes:
-Flexible working - we consider requests from any employee for non standard working arrangements.
-Maternity/paternity leave - we support individuals with benefits more generous than statute provides. This includes financial support, extended leave and personal coaching.
-Family friendly policies - we offer a number of schemes to support employees including childcare vouchers, carer leave, employee assistance programmes and healthcare. An in-house doctor and physiotherapist are provided.
-Sabbatical policy - we consider requests from any employee for sabbatical leave for up to three months.
-Religious leave - we allow all employees up to three paid days leave per year for religious observance.