Simmons & Simmons has become the latest firm to announce new diversity targets, pledging that almost a third of UK trainees will be from ethnic minority backgrounds within five years.
Under a new diversity and inclusion plan, 15% of UK partners and 30% of UK trainees will be black, Asian or minority ethnic by 2025. Some 14% of UK partners and 25% of UK trainees at Simmons & Simmons are currently from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The firm said it will also review its recruitment and promotion processes and improve its data collection. A mentoring programme which aims to educate staff about the experiences of ethnic minority colleagues will also be extended.
Senior partner Colin Passmore said: ‘It is only right that as a firm we continue to challenge ourselves to create a truly diverse and inclusive environment for our people. Our firm’s ambition is to deliver greater inclusion and to ensure that our people can deliver their best in a workplace that supports everyone.’
Herbert Smith Freehills, Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Dentons and Norton Rose Fulbright have all announced equality strategies in recent months.
