After the results of our latest promotions were announced the DWF Race and Ethnicity Network groups across our UK offices held a discussion with recently promoted colleagues to provide insight on the process and encourage others to consider the next steps in their careers.
This session was created by Naveen Gupta, DWF Partner and Co-Chair for our Race & Ethnicity Network, who said:
"It is important that we ensure we progress talent irrespective of background and that our colleagues know that there are others who are like them that have made it. We wanted to showcase people from our Black and Asian community who were recently promoted at DWF at different levels. Darren, Mahesh, and Tehreem are all fantastic role models."
Kirsten Morton, HR Business Partner, also attended the session to answer questions about the promotion process from other network members. She said:
"It was great to be involved in the session to talk around what the promotions process looks like and the support available to individuals. It is wonderful to see people that I have supported in my role progressing through the career levels and articulating what it meant to have the backing of the business to support their career aspirations".
The promotions process at DWF in 2021 included an increased focus on diversity and inclusion at every stage. We requested diversity data from all candidates and incorporated questions on D&I implementation in the assessment process. This approach allowed us to enforce the importance of D&I, track representation throughout the process and look for any barriers or gaps particularly in terms of the race and gender of applicants.
To help maintain our talent pipeline and encourage colleagues from diverse backgrounds this discussion included newly promoted members to inspire others, dispel some concerns, and encourage others to think about promotion.
Below the speakers from this event explain how focusing on diversity and inclusion assists in creating better outcomes for individuals and as well as the wider organisation.
"As an ethnic minority, I have always been uncomfortable with the notion that my circumstances (through no choice of my own) would ultimately dictate my life outcomes. It is important for businesses to recognise barriers that many face and could potentially face, in order to create real change and equal opportunities. Diversity and Inclusion is not just about creating a happy workplace. It is also central to developing your business, as you learn to embrace new ideas and different ways of thinking."
Mahesh Vara, Senior Associate, Dispute Resolution
"The DWF Race & Ethnicity Network is a brilliant and safe space for people of all background and ethnicities to share and learn from each other's experiences. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have spoken about my own career path at the recent Promotions Presentation."
Tehreem Saleem, Associate, Insurance
"It is hugely encouraging to see the progress being made within DWF and their efforts in helping to increase and celebrate diverse talent at a senior level. I am pleased to have been promoted to Partner and hope that this acknowledgement and increased visibility will help provide positivity to those coming up through their careers"
Darren Ormsby, Partner, Corporate Services
