I was recently teased that I needed to recruit a man because my team are all white British females (they are not by the way).  I paused to consider this further.

Sex has certainly not been a factor in my selection criteria and I am sure that it won’t be in future recruitment decisions but I was concerned that we might be perceived as discriminating against men.

I’m proud of my team who have all been recruited on merit.

This is not a blog to recruit a “token man” to redress the balance and I am not against positive discrimination when it adds value.

My law firm is diverse in terms of the other “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act – age, nationality, religious and philosophical beliefs, disability etc.  You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – We’re all fabulous employment lawyers and HR professionals and that’s what matters most, isn’t it?

Equality and diversity are important to me.  As are dignity, respect and a work/life balance.  I value my team and strive to maintain good working relationships between us through regular connection and communication.

We spend a lot of time at work together and its natural for colleagues to become familiar and less professional.  That’s OK – as long as we maintain healthy, balanced relationships.

I recently met Alison Thomas the CEO of Equation, a Nottinghamshire based charity that promotes equal, healthy relationships free from domestic abuse and it was clear that we shared some core values.  We have jumped on board to support their cause by supporting them (pro-bono) with their own HR matters as they grow and we will be getting involved with fundraising initiatives for them.

To find out more about Equation and how you might be able to support them visit their website.