Proud

Shoosmiths is an equal opportunities employer which values diversity and inclusion within all areas of our business.

At Shoosmiths, our approach to our people and our clients is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. We are committed to creating and maintaining a culture of inclusiveness and transparency in order help our people feel comfortable in their workplace and flourish as individuals. We work to ensure all colleagues can be themselves at work, and our employee networks play an integral part in this.

PROUD, launched in early 2019, was established to raise awareness and visibility around LGBT+ issues, past, present and future in and out of the workplace. We value difference, and by continuing to embrace difference we will continue to increase the likelihood of having the best people at Shoosmiths who can be themselves, do their best work, and provide a unique service to our colleagues and clients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. PROUD was launched for colleagues that self-identify as being from the LGBT+ community and also, very importantly, all those colleagues that are allies of the LGBT+ community; whether they have a personal connection to the LGBT+ community through friends, family or otherwise.

Our PROUD network and its values are guided by our Charter, which sets out the following authentic commitments:

To respect, support and ensure the wellbeing of our people; all colleagues must feel comfortable coming to work in a positive and supportive environment, free from prejudice, judgment or other unfair treatment.
To provide opportunities for all; being from the LGBT+ community is no barrier to success at Shoosmiths; all colleagues have full support whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity.

To raise awareness and educate our workforce, our clients and business contacts. We can also learn from other inclusion networks and colleagues.
To use our network to provide a way for our own and other local LGBT+ communities to get to know each other. By working collaboratively, we can improve relationships and drive new business opportunities.