The disability network at transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been named as a finalist in a prestigious national diversity awards scheme.
The WBD Disability Network, which spans its eight UK offices including Bristol, was formed in 2021 and is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of the firm’s EDI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives and objectives around disability.
Having gone from strength to strength since its launch, it is now shortlisted in the Outstanding Ability Network of the Year category at the British Diversity Awards 2024.
The awards celebrate leading diversity and inclusion champions, recognising achievements over the past year across ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religious beliefs.
WBD is the only law firm on a 12-strong shortlist, which also includes AXA, BT and Legal & General.
The award is one of 18 that will be presented at a ceremony on 20 March in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
WBD said the shortlisting recognised its commitment to fostering a work environment based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all.
The firm added that its networks, which also include Pride (LGBT+), Reach (race, ethnicity and cultural heritage) and Thrive (women), not only aim to benefit the business and people, but to influence the legal profession, clients and suppliers to create a truly inclusive society.
WBD Disability Network chair Michelle Essen, pictured, said: “Disability affects every one of us, whether it’s directly through a disability or long-term condition, or indirectly with those we know and care about.
“Providing a genuinely safe and supportive space at WBD is absolutely crucial to ensuring that each of us can be ourselves, share our lived experiences, play to our own unique strengths and talents, and grow as individuals.”
She said the Disability Network had rapidly escalated awareness about disability and long-term conditions over the past couple of years by marking important national and international dates, by normalising discussions around topics like mental health, neurodiversity, physical disabilities and cancer, and by engaging with the business in new and exciting ways.
It did this, she said, while maintaining authenticity by ensuring its messaging and insights come from network members.
“To be shortlisted for this highly prestigious award is an enormous honour, and credit goes to everyone at WBD who is involved in championing disability and working passionately and tirelessly to drive progress in this arena,” she added.
WBD partner and diversity, equity and inclusion lead Jessica Tresham said: “The Disability Network, along with all our diversity and inclusion networks, plays a vital role in ensuring every single person can feel supported and celebrated in a positive space.
“Being shortlisted for this award highlights the strength of the team behind it who are making a major difference to drive forward wide-reaching change.”
The British Diversity Awards, sponsored by British fashion brand Burbery, have established themselves as a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion, with this year’s awards recognising the positive impact of marketing, campaigning, media diversity and social mobility representation across the UK.
This year’s awards ceremony will be hosted by TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh, and Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph.
