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.
Offer a Career Development Programme
If you have identified gaps in your talent pool you may want to consider creating an in-house Career Development programme that aligns with your needs and firm values. For example, this might be targeted at returners, to get them back up to speed and reintegrated into the workplace. Alternatively, it might be targeted at your next generation (future) partners but with a diverse shortlist of candidates put forward.
Some firms offer career development programmes that all senior lawyers can apply for, if this is the case, be an ally and put forward/encourage your direct reports to apply.
Other firms have a dedicated programme that they ask partners to sponsor/put forward members of their team for – again if you are in a position to put people forward, consider carefully who will benefit from the programme and ensure that there is a diverse candidate pool being put forward.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series here.
