Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson's ethnicity network, WBD Reach (race, ethnicity and cultural heritage), has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Ethnicity Network of the Year category at the prestigious British Diversity Awards 2025.
The awards, headline sponsored by LSEG, promote diversity, equity and inclusion by recognising individuals and organisations who continually strive to make workplaces, and society, more inclusive for all.
Founded in 2019, WBD Reach is a UK-wide network for ethnic minority employees and allies. Led by Nathalie Romain (Partner), Suzanne Gado (Legal Director), Nazmin Akthar (Managing Associate), and Antonia Nelson (Solicitor), the network offers a platform for connection, experience sharing, education and advocacy. It drives cultural awareness and inclusion initiatives within WBD and works with management on diversity and inclusion strategies.
Last year, WBD Reach grew its membership by 25%, with 9% of the firm's employees now part of the network. The network's initiatives are designed to create an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their background, feels valued, accepted and able to be themselves.
WBD Reach has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. The network was instrumental in WBD adopting the Halo Code to combat race-based hair discrimination which also prompted a review of the firm's dress code policy to reflect this commitment, ensuring all staff can wear their natural hairstyles freely. The firm achieved Mansfield Certification, improving diversity by considering diverse candidates for internal roles, promotions, and pitch meetings. Additionally, WBD expanded its support for the 10,000 Black Interns program, doubling their intake, and provided Active Bystander Training to all colleagues. A Safe Space conversations initiative was introduced in the wake of the 2024 Race Riots to ensure Black and Minority Ethnic staff members had somewhere safe to turn. Ethnicity pay gap reporting was also introduced, alongside the existing Count Me In data collection initiative, which achieved an 84% response rate.
The network also focused on mentoring and reverse mentoring, partnering with clients to provide group mentoring to students from under-represented backgrounds. Inclusive policies and practices were established, such as faith and wellbeing rooms, phonetic spellings in email signatures, and various cultural celebrations. Events for Black History Month, Muslim Heritage Month, Diwali, Eid, and other significant cultural dates were hosted, with programs like the WBD Heritage Map launched to share personal stories. WBD was also the first UK law firm to support celebrations for Muslim Heritage Month when it launched in 2024. Community engagement included sponsoring local events, and intersectional issues were addressed through joint webinars with other DEI Networks. These efforts highlight WBD Reach's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered.
Nathalie Romain said:
"We are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for the Outstanding Ethnicity Network of the Year at the British Diversity Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our steering committee members and our network members and allies who strive to make WBD a truly inclusive workplace. Our goal has always been to create a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted, valued and empowered. We know there is still work to be done and this nomination encourages us to continue our efforts with even greater vigour."
This is the second year in a row that WBD has been shortlisted at the British Diversity Awards with the firm's Disability and Neurodiversity Network shortlisted for Outstanding Ability Network of the Year last year. The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 19 March at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
