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Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) Disability Network has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Outstanding Ability Network of the Year category at the prestigious British Diversity Awards 2024.
The awards, headline sponsored by Burberry, celebrate leading diversity and inclusion champions, recognising achievements over the past year across ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religious beliefs.
WBD is committed to fostering a work environment based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all and aims not only to benefit its business and people, but to influence the legal profession, clients and suppliers to create a truly inclusive society.
The firm's Disability Network, which spans eight UK offices, is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of WBD's DEI initiatives and objectives around disability, and has made significant strides since it was formed in 2021.
Michelle Essen, chair of WBD's Disability Network, said:
"Disability affects every one of us, whether it's directly through a disability or long-term condition, or indirectly with those we know and care about. Providing a genuinely safe and supportive space at WBD is absolutely crucial to ensuring that each of us can be ourselves, share our lived experiences, play to our own unique strengths and talents, and grow as individuals.
Over the last couple of years, the Disability Network has rapidly escalated awareness about disability and long-term conditions - by marking important national and international dates, by normalising discussions around topics like mental health, neurodiversity, physical disabilities and cancer, and by engaging with the business in new and exciting ways – while always maintaining authenticity by ensuring our messaging and insights come from our amazing Disability Network members.
To be shortlisted for this highly prestigious award is an enormous honour, and credit goes to everyone at WBD who is involved in championing disability and working passionately and tirelessly to drive progress in this arena."
Jessica Tresham, Partner and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead 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.
Being shortlisted for this award highlights the strength of the team behind it who are making a major difference to drive forward wide-reaching change."
The British Diversity Awards has established itself as a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion, with this year’s awards recognising the positive impact of marketing, campaigning, media diversity and social mobility representation across the UK.
The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 20 March at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London and will be hosted by TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, and Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph.
Want to learn more about all our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) networks at Womble Bond Dickinson? Click here.
