Treasury Solicitor's department becomes 400th signatory to Law Society diversity charter

The Treasury Solicitor's department has become the first government department to commit to the Law Society diversity charter, making it the 400th signatory to date.

Those signed up to the charter must promote diversity and inclusion in their business. Participants range from small firms of 25 or fewer staff to top 100 law firms. The Law Society monitors the work of signatories in an annual review; in 2013, the report found that firms are improving on diversity matters, but further progress is still required.

Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, chair of the Law Society equality and diversity committee, praised the Treasury Solicitor’s department for making a clear public commitment to promote the values of diversity: "Being a signatory is a sound indication that good practice is at the heart of their business plan."

Sir Paul Jenkins, permanent secretary of the Treasury Solicitor’s department, commented: "Diversity and inclusion is a priority for us. We cannot reasonably advise on legislation and laws that directly affect people if we are not representative of those people."