Job Description

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit .

Department/Role overview

Ashurst\'s People and Culture (P&C) team comprises approximately 150 people spread across our global offices. We deliver purpose led transformation programs and people and culture practices that support the attraction and enablement of leading talent. We are a diverse team who prioritise collaboration to draw on our full spectrum of perspectives, experience and strengths.

Fostering an inclusive culture is key to Ashurst\'s vision to outpace change. It allows us to offer exceptional service to our clients and a great place for our people to work. That is why inclusion, diversity and belonging are at the core of our business strategy.

This role leads the delivery of our Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging strategy in the UK/EMEA/US region.

Main responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the firm\'s global inclusion and diversity strategy across the UK/EMEA/US region

• Oversee a number of the firm\'s established diversity and inclusion programmes, including various sponsorship and mentoring programmes
• Collaborate with the People & Culture Business Partner Team to embed IBD in everything that we do and ensure our people policies, processes and focus reflect this
• Design and deliver D&I training across the region and/or partner with specialist providers, collaborating with L&OD on content development and ensure IDB is embedded across our learning programmes
• Be a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team and support them in their role to put IDB at the heart of everything we do
• Build awareness, capability and accountability across IDB in partners and people leaders as evidenced by inclusive work environment data, leadership and staff feedback and ownership and delivery of IDB goals for individuals and leaders
• Provide updates to leaders, including the Board and Executive as required, on IDB strategic projects, initiatives and objectives

Support the IDB Networks and Committed to Change Leaders

• Design and deliver content for Committed to Change Leaders
• Working with the IDB team, network chairs and leads to ensure activities and initiatives are aligned with the IBD strategy and action plan
• Act as an adviser and counsel to the employee networks to ensure they help shape and deliver against the firm\'s IDB plans and strategy

Communication progress on IDB with internal and external stakeholders

• Research, write and prepare IDB papers and communications both internally and externally including board papers, articles, reports, e-learning, social content, policies and workshop materials
• Partnering with the social media team, internal communications team and PR team to ensure coverage and promotion of IDB internally and externally
• Act as a spokesperson for Ashurst at external events such as conferences, media interviews and industry events

Enhance client relationships through shared progress on IDB initiatives and values

• Work with client partners, business development and the Employee Networks to identify and client collaboration opportunities that further our IDB agenda and support our clients
• Provide support to business development in completing client tenders and pitches in relation to our diversity and inclusion strategy, action plan and progress and providing ongoing support to help to strengthen client relationships

Data and reporting

• Provide data driven research and industry benchmarking that will help Ashurst deliver an innovative approach to IDB
• Produce regular IDB reports focused on retention, attrition, work allocation and engagement and partner with People & Culture business partners to support interventions
• Contribute to award and directory submissions

Risk and Control

• Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Significant demonstrable experience in managing a multi-functional team within professional services: proven people management skills to inspire, motivate and positively influence the team.
• Able to demonstrate strategic thinking, balanced with a strong commercial approach: able to provide sound advice or resolution for complex issues.
• Strong client service: able to use wide networks or industry knowledge and experience to improve processes or plan requirements.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and advising the C-Suite and client contacts.
• Exceptional organisational skills, able to prioritise effectively during pressurised situations, and adjust to changing priorities, deadlines or issues as they arise.
• Excellent communication skills, able to speak and write with clarity and professionalism.
• Strong project management skills with sound decision making judgment which provide for and encourage solutions.
• Acts as a role model to others, encouraging collaboration amongst team whilst also ensuring high standards are always maintained.
• Demonstrates ability to provide team members ongoing recognition and feedback, including managing effective performance reviews.
• Proactive and always striving to achieve the best from own work as well as the work from the team.
• Resilient and able to deal calmly with conflict or difficult situations.
• Discrete, diplomatic and completely confidential with personnel and client information.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and the firm\'s systems and applications

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

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