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A diverse and inclusive workplace, full of the richness of different perspectives creates better ways of working. Our clients and colleagues benefit from a more rounded, informed culture, making us a more resilient and sustainable business. Our approach is to make sure that we have policies which are fit for purpose, and then to concentrate hard on bringing them to life throughout the firm. This filters through at every level – we nurture a spirit of equality, fairness and respect and we challenge non-inclusive behaviour.

We want everyone to reach their full potential, by being themselves whilst encouraging each other to achieve their goals with courage, determination and enthusiasm. We work hard to ensure that difference is visibly valued and welcomed, and that our people understand there is so much to equity, diversity and inclusion and it's not about a set of paper policies. Everything from our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, our Investors in People Accreditation, our focus on health and wellbeing, to our #BeYourself campaign, underlines the importance of a visibly proactive and diverse and inclusive culture.

Womble Bond Dickinson is dedicated to creating a positive workplace for employees. Along with all of the above, some of the firm's wellbeing commitments include:

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• Signing the Mindful Business Charter, demonstrating our commitment to employee mental health and pledging to new, better ways of working – from delegation to managing workload
• Providing training for managers and supervisors in managing mental health
• Putting in place neonatal and menopause policies, improved paid emergency leave provisions and financial hardship funds for employees
• Using our internal hub to share resources, run campaigns and advertise events to raise awareness on a range of subjects such as menopause, sleep and stress, financial wellbeing     and men's health
• Celebrating our colleagues' achievements through our online recognition system
• Providing a vast library of employee benefits in line with our four key pillars – from online CBT  and GP sessions to discounted gym memberships.

With the support from our diversity, equity and inclusion networks as well as our Board, we pride ourselves on our open and inclusive culture where our differences are valued and celebrated. We continue to build on what we've achieved so far, working with our networks and our clients to drive positive change, not just in our firm, but across the legal profession." JESSICA TRESHAM, PARTNERAND DEI BOARD SPONSOR