CJCH took part in the 2019 SRA Diversity Survey. We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce not limited by age, gender, sexuality or any other background.
Embracing diversity & equality has a positive affect our employees and on the wider community that CJCH is proud to serve.
CJCH Solicitors’ Jodi Winter says it’s “incredibly motivating” to see more women achieving senior roles across the legal profession, but encourages business leaders to keep the momentum going to ensure continued gender balance.
Jodi, who last year was appointed to our award-winning firm’s executive board, said she was delighted to see that 33% of partners across the legal sector were now women, according to a report from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
The findings from the SRA also showed that 48% of solicitors surveyed across the UK are women, a statistic which Jodi said reflected the industry’s progressive nature.
Jodi, who is a senior partner and head of the Family and Child Law Department, is speaking out on female inclusion to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th.
The worldwide initiative, which celebrates and recognises the personal and professional achievements of women, is this year focussing on the theme of gender balance.
Jodi feels this topic is particularly vital in an industry such as hers, which is traditionally perceived as being male dominated.
CJCH Solicitors is challenging that misconception and has proved that it’s leading the way when it comes to achieving greater gender equality. The firm’s executive board is now comprised of 50% women, following Jodi’s appointment in January, while its senior management team was also female driven.
CJCH notably has a higher rate of female employees than male, and attracted a large number of talented female graduates from across Cardiff and the surrounding areas.
On the issue of gender balance in the legal industry, Jodi said she is proud to be part of an award-winning firm which is leading by example in relation to inclusivity.
She said: “Becoming a partner and executive board member at CJCH this year has undeniably been the highlight of my career to date.
“But what makes me more proud, is to be appointed to this position within a firm which truly values and recognises the talent and potential of its female employees.
“While I was a trainee solicitor you frequently saw men ascending through the ranks and being given opportunities in higher leadership roles. Over time there has been a gradual shift in attitudes towards gender balance, which has is undeniably more positive and has paved the way for solicitors, such as myself, to really achieve their potential and undertake rewarding leadership positions.
“However, I think gender equality in the legal sector was truly affirmed and accepted with the appointment of Lady Hale as president of the Supreme Court, which is a landmark achievement for equality and diversity in the profession.
“While this increased inclusion is absolutely fantastic, and I am personally delighted to see more women occupying more decision-making roles, I do feel that we as an industry cannot afford to become complacent.
“Such incredible progress has been made over the years, with the SRA now showing that 33% of partners across the sector are female, that we cannot afford to stop investing in and support female equality at this stage.
“It’s vital that business leaders across the UK continue to support women throughout the industry and keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and encourage them to pursue enriching leadership roles, which not only benefit them but the sector as a whole.”
As our 2017 diversity results are set to be published on our website later this week, we would like to share our internal Equality and Diversity Policy as well. This policy is available to all staff and is in the process of being added to our website footer for ease of access.
The firm is committed to providing equality of opportunity and maximising the benefits, for all, to be gained from recognising and respecting people diversity. The senior person responsible this policy and its effective implementation is Tim Hartland.
SRA Regulations (2011): The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Mandatory Principle No 9 requires us to: “Run your business or carry out your role in the business in a way that encourages equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.”
The firm, its owners, directors, partners, managers and staff will not discriminate or tolerate unlawful discrimination based on any of the “protected characteristics” set out in the Equality Act 2010 or the legal sector Quality Standards referred to below:
Types of Discrimination
The firm will not tolerate or permit Harassment or Victimisation of any kind either of our own personnel, clients or persons external to our organisation with whom we interact professionally.
Our Equality and Diversity Policy will be implemented and integrated into all elements of our business to encourage a diverse and inclusive enforcement both internally and externally. A full version of this policy is available to all our staff and can be made available to our clients and suppliers upon request.
It is hoped that as a result of training, all staff will see the benefits of complying with all aspects of this policy. If, however, there is an alleged breach of this policy, the allegations will be treated seriously and investigated and dealt with thoroughly.
We are proud to announce that the CJCH Court of Protection team was named the Public Law Team of the Year in the 2022 Wales Legal Awards. Recognising the work they do with individuals who lack the capacity to act in their own best interests.
With a dedicated focus on service excellence, and a passion for innovation the CJCH team was the proud winner of the best Legal and Financial Business of the Year in Cardiff for 2019!
Wales top 20 Law Firm and 2018 Financial and Professional Services Firm of the Year in the Cardiff Business Awards - CJCH Solicitors, has announced a major promotion in their leadership team welcoming Jodi Winter to their Board.
CJCH Solicitors has experienced unprecedented growth and achieved important milestones over the last few years, all of which have culminated in the first half of 2018 being a prosperous year for us at the Firm and winning the Financial and Professional Services of the Year award.
