An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group to help make their workplace more diverse and inclusive for all.
For workplaces to become truly inclusive it is up to people who hold positions of privilege to be active allies and to take responsibility for making changes that will help others be successful.
Allies at all levels can take action with simple, everyday efforts that make a real difference and in this series, we highlight some things that you can do to be an ally and to support your colleagues from underrepresented groups.
“Nothing about us without us”
You may have hear the phase “Nothing about us without us” (Latin: Nihil de nobis, sine nobis). It is a slogan used to communicate the idea that no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that policy. It is often used to ensure in the context of marginalised groups, but is frequently used (since as early as the 1990s according to Wikipedia) in disability activism.
With this in mind, firms need to listen to the lived experience of their disabled and/or neurodivergent employees. Employee disability networks are a great place to start. Seek their input to inform decision making and listen carefully to what they have to say and do so early on in the process before it is too late (or expensive) to change things.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
Further Reading:
- Law Society: Easy wins and action points for disability inclusion
- Law Society: Reasonable adjustments – best practice guidance
