We are proud to be members of our Social Mobility Employee Resource Group (ERG), who meet monthly to discuss ideas and thoughts on how we, as a business, can ensure that we are fostering the best possible working environment for everyone, irrespective of their background, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender. While progress has undoubtedly been made in the last few years, Morton Fraser want to continue to push for greater diversity and inclusion in the legal sector, and see real lasting changes within the industry.
The influence of the Social Mobility ERG has impacted decisions across our business, with the ERG comprising of the lived experiences of members, coupled with the sector knowledge of allies, some of whom hold Senior Leadership positions within Morton Fraser MacRoberts.
A few highlights come to mind when considering the ways in which we are influencing the profession:
1. Our PRIME work experience programme: We have partnered with PRIME to provide up to 10 high-school students per year, from less advantaged backgrounds, one-weeks paid work experience at the firm. The students rotate through all corners of our business, gaining experience not only within our four core legal divisions, but also across executive services including time with our marketing team, providing an immersive experience.
2. The RARE system: We use Rare's Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) during our trainee recruitment process, to help identify applicants from socially disadvantaged backgrounds who have outperformed their peers. In 2019 (our first year using RARE's CRS), 1 in 8 (12.5%) of those who received a training contract were from a socially disadvantaged background. In 2021, this was 3 in 12 (25%). We will continue to use RARE's CRS to identify the best talent available in the market.
3. MCR Pathways: We are working with MCR Pathways a national, award-winning mentoring programme, supporting care experienced young people to get them to positive destinations. Five members of staff are trained mentors, working with care experienced young people in their local communities.
Overall, the Social Mobility ERG - and the firm more widely - understand there is still much more we can do to ensure that the legal profession is not only accessible, but a comfortable and inclusive space for those who choose to forge a career in the industry. Nevertheless, we take pride in the work we are doing and the support we receive across our business for our work in this space, and are excited by the plans we have for the future.
