{"id":648,"date":"2026-08-12T15:00:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/?page_id=648"},"modified":"2026-08-13T21:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T20:42:30","slug":"equality-diversity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/equality-diversity\/","title":{"rendered":"Equality Diversity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n
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\n Sheffield and District Law Society Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee<\/strong>\n <\/h3>\n

The Sheffield & District Law Society EDI Committee is a group of legal professionals committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion across the Sheffield legal community<\/strong>.\n <\/p>\n

We work to create a profession where everyone feels valued, represented and able to thrive<\/strong>, supporting the wider ambition of building a legal sector that reflects the society it serves and promotes fair access to justice.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \"\"\n

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Inclusion is not just the right thing to do. 
It's the smart thing to do.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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WHO WE ARE<\/h4>\n

We are a group of legal professionals passionate about driving meaningful change across the legal profession.<\/p>\n

Through advocacy, education, mentoring and collaboration, we promote a legal community where diversity is recognised as a strength and inclusion is embedded in practice.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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OUR MISSION<\/h4>\n

To help shape a legal community that is inclusive, forward-thinking and equitable., where everyone has the opportunities to succeed regardless of backgroun, identity or circumstance.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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WHY EDI MATTERS<\/h4>\n

A diverse workforce brings together a range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, strengthening how organisations think, collaborate and perform.<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/circle><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Better decision making<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Greater innovation<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path>\n<\/g><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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stronger employee engagement<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Improved workplace culture<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Enhanced service delivery<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/path>\n<\/g><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Better outcomes for clients & communities<\/p>\n <\/div><\/use><\/svg><\/path><\/path><\/path><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle><\/circle>\n<\/g><\/svg><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
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MEET THE COMMITTEE<\/h5>\n
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\n Grace Whitford-Wilson<\/strong>\n
\n \n Chair<\/span>\n <\/strong>\n <\/strong>\n
\n Trainee Corporate Solicitor <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

EDI is important to me because I understand what it\u2019s like to feel out of place in an industry that doesn\u2019t always reflect who I am. As a mixed-race northern woman, I value creating spaces where people feel respected.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Sally Sargesson<\/strong>\n
\n \n Social Media Representative <\/span>\n <\/strong>\n <\/strong>\n
<\/span>\n Senior Associate Costs <\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

EDI is so important to ensure people are treated fairly and have equal access to opportunities, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Charlotte Wallage<\/strong>\n
\n Next Generation representative <\/span>\n <\/strong>\n
<\/span>\n Employment Solicitor <\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

As a Next Generation representative, I\u2019m passionate about showing that a career in law is truly open to everyone<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Jazmin Mooney<\/strong>\n
\n \n Committee Member<\/span>\n <\/strong>\n <\/strong>\n
<\/span>\n Private Client Paralegal <\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

EDI is central to who I am and how I lead. I recognise that my background brings a diverse perspective and I am passionate about advocating for others<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Anna Woodcock<\/strong>\n
\n Mentorship representative<\/span>\n <\/strong>\n
<\/span>\n Private Client Solicitor<\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Without people speaking out about EDI, it often falls to the bottom of the priority list. its vital that these conversations continue<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Lucy Tootill<\/strong>\n
\n Next Generation representative<\/span>\n <\/strong>\n
<\/span>\n Employment Solicitor<\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Supporting the next general of legal professionals through outreach, engagement and education.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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WHAT WE DO<\/h5>\n
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\n Promoting inclusive practices<\/strong> \n <\/h6>\n

We encourage legal organisation across Sheffield and the wider region to adopt inclusive policies and practices that support diverse talkent and equitable opportunities.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Delivering events and initiatives<\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

We organise events that spark meaningful conversations, share lived experiences and encourage action across the profession.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Supporting access to the profession<\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Through mentoring schemes and outreach programmes, we help widen access to the legal profession for underrepresented groups.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Collaborating with partners<\/strong>\n
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We work alongside universities, schools, legal networks and community organisations to strengthen inclusion throughout the legal sector.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Advocating for continuous improvement<\/strong>\n  <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

We advocate for continuous improvement in EDI across the profession and support meaningful, sustainable change.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Our Aim<\/strong>\n <\/h5>\n

To help shape a legal community that is inclusive, forward-thinking and equitable<\/strong>, where diversity is recognised as a strength and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.\n <\/p>\n

\n Power in Diversity <\/strong>\n <\/h5>\n

A diverse workforce brings together a range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, which strengthens how organisations think, collaborate, and perform. By valuing these differences and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to contribute, businesses benefit from better decision-making, increased innovation, stronger engagement, and a more positive, productive culture. Ultimately, diversity becomes a powerful driver of both people success and business outcomes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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FEATURED EVENTS<\/h5>\n
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\n International Women\u2019s Day 2026 Panel<\/strong>\n <\/h4>\n

The Sheffield & District Law Society EDI Committee proudly hosted an inspiring International Women\u2019s Day 2026 panel, bringing together a full and highly engaged audience for meaningful discussion and reflection.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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EDI Panel Event 2025<\/span>\n <\/h4>\n

The Sheffield & District Law Society EDI Committee hosted its inaugural EDI Panel Event in 2025, bringing together a diverse and forward-thinking group of legal professionals to connect, share experiences and build relationships.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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OUR INITIATIVES<\/h5>\n
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University Mentoring Scheme
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One-to-one mentoring for students from underrepresented backgrounds at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University<\/p>\n

Career guidance
professional insight
Networking opportunities
Building confidence\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Schools Outreach Programme
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Engaging with young people to demystify the legl profession and showcase diverse pathways into law.<\/p>\n

Parkwoord Academy
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Tapton School Sixth Form (Year 12)\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n \"\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Early Engagement, Lasting Impact<\/span>\n <\/h4>\n

We inspire and empower the next generation to see law as an accessible and rewarding career path.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \"\"\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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MEET THE COMMITTEE<\/h5>\n
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\n Diversity & Inclusion Hub <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Guidance, networks & practical resources<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Solicitors Regulation Authority <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Regulatory expectations & diversity data<\/p>\n <\/div>\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n Legal Services Board <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Sector-wide oversight & insight<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \"\"\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Bar Standards Board<\/span>\n <\/h6>\n

Equality & Diversity obligations & strategy for the Bar<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n The Bar Council <\/strong>\n <\/h6>\n

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Access, retention & progression<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Inclusive Employers<\/span>\n <\/h6>\n

Supporting the next general of legal professionals through outreach, engagement and education.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n

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Be Part of the Change<\/h4>\n

Creating a more inclusive legal profession requires  collective effort. Whether you're a legal professional, student, educator or organisation, there are many ways to support our work.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Attend an event<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Become a mentor<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Partner with us<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Share best practice<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Support our work<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sheffield and District Law Society Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee The Sheffield & District Law Society EDI Committee is a group of legal professionals committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion across the Sheffield legal community. We work to create a profession where everyone feels valued, represented and able to thrive, supporting the wider ambition … Continue reading “Equality Diversity”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mc_calendar":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-648","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=648"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":813,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/648\/revisions\/813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}