In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, the Northern Circuit took the opportunity to reflect, and we asked some of our colleagues to look into whether and how we could promote a diverse inclusive and representative membership of the Circuit. This produced the Race Working Group Report and the foundation of our Equality and Diversity committee.
Since that time, we have looked to work in partnership with many outside agencies to promote social mobility, working with 10,000 Black Interns initiative, local schools, the Bar Council and the Sutton Trust in order that those from “non-traditional” barrister backgrounds can gain insight into the profession.
We have also looked at organising social events to promote inclusivity such as social gatherings in connection with FreeBar, Pride, Black History Month and sponsoring the performance of a play, Just an Ordinary Lawyer, which was about a trailblazing black barrister in London as part of Black History Month.
Whilst the Circuit has retained many of its “traditions,” we have worked to ensure that events such as our “Mess” dinners are not conducted in a way which would discourage people from attending. Recently we organised our first ever alcohol-free mess. We want the Circuit to be a welcoming environment for everyone.
Lena Amartey - EDSM Officer - EDSM@northerncircuit.co.uk
Brynmor Adams - EDSM Committee - racetaskforce@northerncircuit.co.uk
Chris Gutteridge - EDSM Projects - EDSMProjects@northerncircuit.co.uk