Burges Salmon, the Bristol-headquartered national law firm, has launched its fourth business-wide diversity and inclusion (D&I) network as it aims to improve its gender balance.
Called BBalanced, the network will support its recently established gender taskforce in identifying priorities and objectives for the firm in line with its wider D&I strategy. 
Employee-driven and open to men and women across its legal and business services teams, BBalanced will focus on raising awareness of, and advancing, gender balance in all areas of the firm.
It will provide access to successful role models at all levels, work with the firm’s three other D&I networks to ensure an intersectional approach, engage with external networks and participate in external events, as well as promoting and attending internal D&I events.
BBalanced will also act as a sounding board and focus group for Burges Salmon’s gender taskforce, which seeks to drive change and ensure gender equality remains a priority for management teams in the firm, which employs around 750 people in its Bristol headquarters and London office.
The taskforce is made up of partners and senior leaders and chaired by senior partner Chris Seaton.
Burges Salmon said D&I were integral to firm and it placed great value on a diverse workforce and the contribution that each individual made.
Its three existing D&I networks are:
- BProud – the firm’s well-established LGBT+ network,
- BCultured – its BAME network, established in 2018 and already nominated for an award for best networking group,
- BEnabled – its disability forum, which is focused on ensuring Burges Salmon is an accessible and inclusive place for our people and visitors.
Burges Salmon partner Liz Dunn, a member of the firm’s strategic board and chair of its diversity and inclusion group, pictured, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our latest diversity and inclusion network BBalanced.
“Promoting and advancing gender balance across the firm is high on our strategic agenda and it’s been fantastic to see that such a large number of our people have already registered to be a part of the network.
“It’s important that both our men and our women are engaged in identifying how we can effect real change and ensuring this is delivered across the firm.
“We’re committed to a cohesive and holistic approach to diversity and inclusion and our latest network will work closely with our other established groups to ensure we create an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their potential.”
Burges Salmon appointed its first diversity and inclusion manager last November.
