Manchester-based law firm Slater Heelis has received official accreditation from national charity LGBT Foundation, in recognition of its commitment to diversity and inclusion and its work supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
It makes Slater Heelis the first law firm in the UK to gain the accreditation. The accolade recognises Slater Heelis’ work in championing LGBTQ+ inclusion both across the firm and the wider community, including participating in LGBT Foundation’s Training Academy.
The Academy is a live and interactive online curriculum of training modules covering issues including navigating language relating to LGBT identities, understanding legislation, and identifying discrimination.
Slater Heelis now has 10 LGBT Champions – the most in any organisation in the North West – who successfully completed the 20-hour training course and subsequent accreditation evaluation.
Slater Heelis continues to build on years of work with LGBT Foundation as part of its Legal Surgery, offering free advice to those who identify as LGBT on a range of issues – including family law, divorce, parental rights, wills and probate, egg freezing and donor rights.
This achievement marks Slater Heelis’ second collaboration with an LGBT charity. Since 2020, Slater Heelis has been a partner of the national LGBT helpline Switchboard, through which they also offer free legal assistance.
LGBT Foundation – also based in Manchester – will be one of Slater Heelis’ chosen charities for its volunteering drive in the run-up to its 250th anniversary in 2023. Throughout the year, the law firm will be committing to joint initiatives with multiple charity partners within the local community.
Chris Bishop, Managing Partner at Slater Heelis, says:
“We are very pleased to receive recognition from LGBT Foundation for our work in championing rights for all. As a law firm, it is our responsibility to be markers of societal progression by consistently representing and defending marginalised communities. I’m looking forward to a continued and fruitful relationship with the Foundation as we strive to ensure that our workplace, and society as a whole, is a more inclusive environment for all”.
Katie Craven, Training Academy Manager for LGBT Foundation, adds:
“As society changes, businesses must recognise, respect and celebrate their diverse workforce. Our Training Academy empowers organisations to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people – many of whom face daily barriers that stop them living safe and happy lives.
“It’s been a privilege to see so many people at Slater Heelis go through the journey of becoming a Champion; we’re proud to continue our partnership as one of their chosen charities, helping every LGBTQ+ people reach their full potential.”
