Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) Disability Network has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Ability Network of the Year category at the European Diversity Awards.
The awards are the longest running Diversity awards event across Europe and celebrate individuals, organisations, companies, charities and networks that drive Diversity, Inclusion and Equality into the heart of everything they do.
WBD's Disability Network launched in 2021 with the vision of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all WBD people with disabilities and long-term conditions, as well as those who are parents, carers and allies. The network provides peer and line manager support, constantly drives up awareness (including around neurodiversity), inputs into firmwide policy such as around reasonable adjustments, and initiates and embeds strategic change for the business.
In 2024, the network achieved Disability Confident Leader accreditation, one of the highest standards of disability inclusion in the UK, being only the fifth law firm in the country to do so at the time, after implementing a raft of initiatives, including around recruitment and retention practices, delivering training and workshops, and focussing on accessibility.
Michelle Essen, Legal Director at Womble Bond Dickinson and the chair of the Disability Network, said:
"We are thrilled to be nominated for this prestigious award; it reflects the unwavering dedication and exceptional efforts of our network steering group and members, as well as the ongoing invaluable support from the broader business community."
Emily Cox, Associate and member of the Disability Network Steering Group, added:
"We are committed to creating a positive impact for our team and clients, and we take pride in being part of an organisation that embraces and celebrates diversity in every aspect.”
The winners of the European Diversity Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on 8 November 2024 at the InterContinental London.
Earlier this year, WBD's Disability Network was a finalist in the Outstanding Ability Network of the Year category at the British Diversity Awards. The network is also up for an award in the same category at The Diversity Network Awards, which take place in September.
