The partnerships of the firms that have signed up to the Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter are overwhelmingly white, heterosexual, male and able-bodied, new research has revealed.

However, 70% of the firms that in 2012 completed the charter survey for the second successive year achieved a higher score for diversity and inclusion.

The third annual report of the charter shows a perceptible change in the profession’s profile. Whilst women make up 60% of all solicitors, they represent just 29% of partners – but this is a 25% rise on the 23% figure reported for 2011.

Black, Asian or minority ethnic solicitors make up 10% of the profession, but just 6% of partners – again a rise on the 2011 data. Some 4% of partners are reported as lesbian, gay or bisexual in large firms and 5% in small firms, more than double the 1.7% reported in 2011.

Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff: ‘The results show that size really doesn’t matter. It's not just top-100 firms that are seeing better results; smaller firms are equally as committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.’

The report details priority areas for action in 2013, which include training to ensure everyone in the firm has the skills and knowledge to promote diversity and inclusion; flexible working at all levels of the practice; and making equal pay a reality.

Some 177 firms have so far signed up to the Diversity and Inclusion Charter.