Contributors
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been celebrating two years of its Disability Network by encouraging its employees to make their mark with a communal painting project.
The firm's UK-wide Network held celebrations across its eight offices and invited its people to make their mark for diversity on canvas by hand painting or drawing, with the final art works to be displayed internally.
Michelle Essen, chair of WBD's Disability Network, said:
"These events bring everyone in the firm together to celebrate not just the fantastic success and growth of the Network over these last two years but also our firmwide community and culture and everybody in the firm's individuality and diversity.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone across our business who has supported and helped to organise our latest "make your mark" project.
Disability affects every one of us, whether it's directly through a long-term condition or indirectly with those we know and care about; being able to provide a safe, supportive space internally is vital to ensuring all of us can share our stories and remove the taboo which can exist around talking about some of these lived experiences.
Through these last couple of years, we've been able to mark a number of important dates and broach a number of topics including mental health, neurodiversity, and cancer, and the amazing wider team already has exciting plans underway to continue to support our members and the firm."
WBD's Disability Network is a central point of representation for those who identify as disabled or are affected by disability or long-term conditions, as well as those who wish to champion the Network and its achievements in and outside the firm.
Currently made up 80 members, including six partner champions, the Network proactively raises disability awareness across the firm, contributes to policy development, and makes positive changes across the business, with a core focus on accessibility and fostering an inclusive, respectful working environment for all.
Jessica Tresham, Partner and Diversity and Inclusion Board Sponsor at WBD, 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.
Reaching the two-year milestone is an excellent achievement for the Network, and highlights the strength of the team behind it who are making a major difference to drive forward wide-reaching change."
Paul Stewart, UK Managing Partner at WBD, said:
"At the centre of Womble Bond Dickinson's values and culture is allowing everyone to feel equal, respected, and part of the conversation.
Our diversity and inclusion networks, along with our #BeYourself campaign, play a significant role in empowering all members of the firm to embrace what makes us individual and ensure that we are all committed to being the best that we can be."
Diversity, equity and inclusion is a core theme of WBD's responsible business programme, and for more information, read our latest Responsible Business report.
