Diversity, equity and inclusion

We have developed programmes and initiatives to foster an inclusive work environment, encourage open discussion and raise awareness on diversity issues. Below are some key highlights. To learn more about what we are doing to advance DE&I at Kennedys, please download our Sustainability Report from our Responsible Business webpage.

Celebrating with Our Colleagues: The Celebrating with Our Colleagues series aims to highlight and celebrate the diversity that exists within our firm, and to enable us all to learn more about the varying cultures and religious traditions that are near and dear to the hearts of our people. In the past, Kennedys has celebrated Eid al-Fitr, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Pride, and other cultural, religious traditions, annual observances, and international days.

Let’s Start the Conversation: This is an internal event series where we invite external guest speakers to talk about difficult topics affecting marginalised communities. We’ve hosted conversations on anti-racism in the workplace, islamophobia, the career progression of Black partners, colourism, domestic violence, mental health, and the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace, and more.

Reciprocal Mentoring: Reciprocal mentoring is one way to help us drive inclusion, raise awareness of differing experiences and ensure all of our talent, regardless of race, ethnicity or heritage, thrives at Kennedys. The reciprocal mentoring scheme at Kennedys aims to foster mutually beneficial relationships between junior colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds and more senior colleagues.

Social mobility and widening access to the legal profession: We deliver a range of initiatives that aim to support pupils who wouldn’t otherwise have access to opportunities to experience the world of work. We provide mentoring, insight days, networking events, and work experience for students who have ambitions to pursue careers in the legal sector but may lack the networks and connections. We use the RARE contextual recruitment system in the UK as part of our trainee recruitment process. This allows us to access excellent candidates who may otherwise get overlooked.

For more information about our different routes into Kennedys please visit our early careers page.

Dive In Festival: We continue to be a global partner of the Dive In Festival – a global movement in the insurance sector to support the development of inclusive workplace cultures. By engaging in this global event, held across more than 30 countries, we actively support and learn from initiatives that drive positive change and create equitable opportunities for all.

Women in Business series: We host Women in Business series events and run internal diversity campaigns to raise awareness.

DE&I advisory groups: Our DE&I Advisory Groups are our regional business resource groups. They act as a sounding board for the firm’s DE&I initiatives and activities. This group of employees meets regularly to share their ideas, discuss new initiatives, and advise on what more Kennedys could be doing to drive the firm’s DE&I strategy.

Affinity networks: Kennedys’ Networks are an opportunity for people to network with individuals with shared interests or identities. They provide employees with the chance to connect, interact, thrive, and grow with like-minded people within the firm. These groups are voluntary, employee-led initiatives which support our firm’s DE&I strategy, aiming is to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Parents and Carers Together: a network for anyone with a caring responsibility which aims to provide both a support and advocacy function for colleagues.
• Rainbow Network: a global network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
• Embrace Network: a cultural and ethnic diversity network which aims to advance racial inclusion and celebrate heritage and cultural differences.
• Women@Kennedys Australia: a network for women and allies seeking to celebrate the professional achievements and successes of women in the workplace and to raise awareness of gender equality initiatives.
• Muslim Network: a network for Muslim employees and allies.
• Disability and Neurodiversity Discussion and Impact (DANDI) Network: Coming soon.

Marianne joined Kennedys in 2021 as our Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and manages our DE&I programmes and initiatives around the world.