Law Soc approves flexi-working campaign

The Law Society's equality and diversity committee has approved a campaign to bring flexible working policies, for men as well as women, into "the mainstream of employment practices at law firms", Legal Futures has reported. The proposals form part of a wider action plan to tackle barriers to diversity and flexibility in the profession, and will be added to the society's diversity and inclusion charter.

The proposed measures include asking the SRA to include flexible working practices in the Solicitors Code of Conduct, which obliges firms to run themselves in a way that encourages flexibility and respects diversity. Integrating a work-life balance week into the legal calendar has also been suggested, as has incorporating flexible working into the Law Society's practice management standards.

The society has identified the need to get firms' senior partners on board if the initiatives are to be successful and flexible working is no longer to be seen as something only for women.

The equality and diversity committee was informed: "The availability of flexible working is vital if we are to attract and retain a diverse range of talent in the profession. Whilst it is paramount for those with caring responsibilities, the majority of whom are women, it has a broader reach and it is important that flexible working practice is not seen as a women's issue. The acceptance of the legitimacy of flexible working practices and the effective introduction of them into the sector has the potential to change the culture of the workplace."