CILEx Regulation launches new Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy

CILEx Regulation has recently launched its first ever Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, championing fair access for all in the legal services market and setting out a series of clear measurable commitments for 2022-24.

The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives is the professional association which represents 20,000 Chartered Legal Executives, paralegals and legal professionals.

CILEx Regulation regulates Chartered Legal Executive lawyers, other members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and law firms. It oversees the education, qualification and practice standards of the legal professionals it regulates, and works with the Chartered Institute to ensure that qualifications are at the right level and appropriate for the work that regulated members undertake.

Ensuring that lawyers are treated fairly, whatever their background, is a key commitment from CILEx Regulation; 77% of those they regulate are women, 15% are non-white and 43% did not go to university. Therefore, a major focus of the strategy is on improving the ability of aspiring lawyers to enter and progress in the legal profession, based on merit and regardless of their circumstances or diverse characteristics. The strategy also looks to improve access for all consumers who use legal services.

To support this important work, CILEx Regulation is hosting a round table discussion in March to explore how prejudices can suppress talent and agree on action to be taken to achieve parity across the legal sector.

Jonathan Rees, Chair of CILEx Regulation said: “We are delighted to be launching a new EDI strategy. Our focus is to improve access to legal services, identify and address the existing barriers faced by those we regulate and find more ways to empower consumers when accessing legal services. The strategy focuses on areas where we as regulator can make a difference but we know we need to work in partnership if we are to effect lasting change .We cherish the diversity of those we regulate, so for us promoting EDI is not an optional extra but at the heart of what we do as an independent regulator dedicated to understanding and promoting the careers of chartered legal executives, and providing greater competition in the interest of the consumer.”