The virtual event was open for all colleagues to join and was hosted by Race and Ethnicity Network Executive Sponsors, CEO of Insurance Services, Matthew Doughty and Chief Marketing Officer, Zelinda Bennett.
The aim of the session was to hear from colleagues to understand the issues that are most important to them and provided an opportunity to share perspectives and observations in a safe-space environment.
Following the session the network followed up with attendees with support information, details of initiatives available on the topics discussed, and opportunities for colleagues to get more involved with diversity and inclusion at DWF.
Matt and Zelinda have committed to hosting similar discussion sessions on a quarterly basis moving forward to continue the conversation with colleagues about race and ethnicity, racism, and the workplace.
Matthew Doughty said, "Racism has no place at DWF and embracing each other’s cultures, beliefs and lived experiences makes DWF a great place to work; one where we are all equally welcome. That’s why I want to thank the people that joined the listening session to share their personal experiences. By sharing these, we build greater understanding, we identify ways to help and to improve our support, we more openly demonstrate that our allyship for one another is present and enduring and, as a result, we help one another to be more resilient as a community and able to work through these issues together when they arise."
In addition to the Open Forum Discussion, DWF also marked Black History Month 2024 with a number of activities including:
- 'Bridging Divides: Understanding and Addressing Race and Ethnic Inequality' webinar with client NFU Mutual. Gareth Griffin and Jewels Chamberlain were invited to take part in this panel webinar aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of race and ethnic inequality both inside and outside the workplace.
- Hosting local events such as a guided history walk in Liverpool on International Anti-Slavery Day providing colleagues and clients with thought provoking learnings about Liverpool's role in the transatlantic slave trade.
- Sharing events and resources from external D&I partners such as ENEI, Carers UK and the Black Solicitors Network.