Capsticks has recently launched a five-year EDI strategy and plan to deliver positive change and to become a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive business, to the benefit of our clients and everyone working for and with the firm.

Championed by Capsticks’ leadership team, our newly established EDI Council and employee network groups, the plan sets out over 50 commitments and various campaigns to increase diversity, provide equal opportunities and support wellbeing and mental health. The strategy is underpinned by guiding principles such as allyship, the use of evidence-based insights, data and experience, as well as leader and manager capabilities, and positive behaviour change, aiming to:

1. Demonstrate leadership commitment and accountability through inclusive policies, messaging and behaviours to advance the firm’s diversity and inclusion goals
2. Build a diverse talent pipeline to make sure that we have a breadth of skills and perspectives, and that our people represent the clients with whom we work
3. Foster an inclusive culture and welcoming work environment that values diversity, allows everyone to be their authentic self, develop and succeed, and feel that they belong

New initiatives include targets to achieve greater representation of women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic lawyers and business services managers in leadership positions by 2025; inclusive recruitment training for hiring managers, allyship training for everyone, and Reflective Practice Forums – an initiative unique to Capsticks, and indeed the legal sector, which provide a protected therapeutic space for staff to talk about the issues and challenges that come with the work we do for client organisations that make a difference.

Martin Hamilton, Managing Partner at Capsticks, said: “Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our purpose and vision – to deliver results that matter and to be the go-to advisors for those who work to make a difference. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to achieve our strategic aims. My parents both left school at 15 and I was the first in my family to get to university and the law. I have my own, socio-economic experience of joining the legal profession without points of reference or a network, and of setbacks along the way. As Capsticks’ EDI Executive Sponsor and an ally, I bring my own personal perspective, and my own personal commitment, to building a truly diverse and inclusive business, for the benefit of us all.”

Rachael Heenan, Senior Partner at Capsticks, said: “Our job as leaders at Capsticks is to leave the firm and the profession in a better place. This is our most important strategy to date – we want to provide opportunities for everyone, whatever their background, and as allies, to shout the loudest for the underrepresented groups and progress social mobility in our firm and profession.”

Michelle Fox, Talent and Diversity Lead, said: “Publishing this EDI strategy is a real milestone for Capsticks. It sets out not just how we will ensure a more diverse and inclusive workplace, but why. I’m delighted to have been appointed Capsticks’ first ever Talent and Diversity Lead to lead on developing and delivering the EDI strategy and plan. I care deeply about people – I care about people having equal access to opportunities and about people growing and succeeding and I’m proud to play my part in creating a workplace where no one is left behind or forgotten.”

Capsticks’ previous EDI strategy brought important changes and initiatives such as publishing its Gender and Ethnicity Pay Gap, adopting the Race at Work Charter and the Mindful Business Charter, as well as becoming members of the Black Solicitors Network, setting up apprenticeship schemes for paralegals and solicitors, and forming various partnerships with charities promoting social mobility and inclusion. Our updated EDI strategy will deepen and broaden these initiatives. 

About Capsticks

Capsticks aims to be the firm of choice for organisations who work to make a difference. Our purpose is to be the legal advisers that clients want by their side, providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to our sectors’ unique challenges. Our lawyers work together as one team with similar values: putting people first, doing the right thing and always forward thinking.