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.
Use a Diverse Shortlist of Barristers
When choosing who to instruct, make sure that you ask for / are given a diverse shortlist of barristers for you and your clients to choose from. Ensure that the shortlist includes those from underrepresented groups and genuinely consider these barristers based on their skill, experience, expertise and interest.
If you do not have a diverse list of barristers to choose from, prepare and maintain an internal referral list/database barristers from underrepresented, which is regularly updated and used. Having a policy that requires you to draw from a diverse shortlist will encourage you to seek out other appropriate barristers and go beyond, those that you always instruct.
Read the full “How to be an Ally” series for ideas and inspiration here.
