|
 |
Media release
Issued: Wednesday November 30th 2005
atior, a leading UK legal training provider, has launched a ground-breaking new training course aimed at tackling issues such as age and sex discrimination in the legal profession.
The ‘Equality and Diversity’ course, which will be run in venues across the UK, aims at improving the profession’s current track record, which is already leading the way for other professions.
Women currently make up 57 per cent of new entrants into law, compared to just 40 per cent in 2003, and people from ethnic minorities account for 18 per cent, double the number from 2003.
The course comes in the wake of the Law Society’s introduction of the Solicitors’ Anti-Discrimination Rules 2004 and the publication of its equality and diversity policy and strategy document in July 2005.
The legal profession has also seen some fast-moving legislative changes aimed at tackling equality issues like disability and age discrimination.
“Arguably, US firms have led the way in adopting and implementing equality and diversity policies to date, but many UK firms are now turning their attention to the issues and looking for ways to tackle them too,” said altior’s Chief Executive, Mark Loosemore.
“Although positive changes have been made through the Solicitor’s Anti-Discrimination Rules, requiring every firm to have an anti-discrimination policy document, there is still room for significant improvement and this course aims to take a step towards that.
“The Law Society might soon make it mandatory for all solicitors to undergo equality and diversity training, but getting ahead of the game and starting training now could give your firm a competitive advantage. For example, invitations to tender, particularly from the public sector, now ask firms to supply evidence of equality and diversity training.”
altior’s new course will guide solicitors , law firm practice managers and support staff through the rules and underlying legislation, give examples of discriminatory behaviour and offer best practice tips.
For further information about altior and this course, please contact:
Mark Loosemore, Chief Executive or Alana Hopkins, Marketing Manager at altior on 029 2045 1000 or email info@altior.co.uk
|
|
|
|
