Equality & Diversity

At Parklane Plowden Chambers, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering an environment rooted in equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace not only enriches our community but also enhances the quality of legal services we provide. 

Equal Opportunity: We ensure that all individuals—be they members, pupils, employees, or applicants—are treated fairly and with respect. Discrimination on any grounds, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background, is not tolerated.  

Inclusive Environment: We are dedicated to creating a work setting where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. By embracing diverse perspectives, we aim to reflect the broader community we serve and enhance our collective decision-making.   

Active Promotion: Our Equality and Diversity Committee actively collaborates with various teams to implement initiatives that promote fairness and equal opportunities within Chambers and the wider legal profession. 

To uphold these principles, Parklane Plowden has established an Equality & Diversity Committee comprising members from both staff and barristers. This committee collaborates with Outreach and Pupillage teams to implement initiatives that promote fairness and equality within Chambers and the broader legal profession. Notably, Chambers partners with organisations like Bridging the Bar and offers mini pupillages aimed at promoting access for minority groups and diversity at the Bar.   

The Chambers’ dedication to these values is evidenced by its recognition in industry awards, including shortlisting for the Diversity Award at the Modern Claims Awards 2024 and the Social Mobility Award at the Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards 2024.   

Through these concerted efforts, Parklane Plowden Chambers strives to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse society it serves. 

Anti-Racist Statement

We recognise our role in society as a source of justice and as such reject racism in all its forms.

We are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion within our organisation, the profession and the community we serve. As a Chambers we embrace our obligation to listen to those around us, learn and introduce positive changes to make lives better.

We are committed to upholding the standards of the Bar Council Anti-Racist Statement and our obligations within it and will rigorously challenge racism in all its forms through reviewing how we work, encouraging inclusion, supporting initiatives that positively impact diversity and challenging those individuals who behave in ways that are contrary to our commitment.

Chambers’ Diversity Data 

The Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct states that a summary of the Diversity Data submitted by Landmark’s members, pupil barristers and employees must be published on our website once every three years.  

Our Diversity Data was last updated in March 2025 and a summary of the data can be accessed here. We have taken the time to internally reviewed our data and form the actions needed to enhance diversity across Chambers, this in turn contributes to our action plan and influences the actions below which we consistently work hard to achieve and deliver.

Acting on our Commitment 

Our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion is shown by: 

• Maintaining an active Equality and Diversity Committee that includes two Equality and Diversity Officers, with dedicated HR support, Barrister members and staff. 
• Ensuring EDI matters are reported to the Executive Committee. 
• Routinely reporting on the performance and the work of the Equality and Diversity Committee to members. 
• Maintaining an outreach committee that takes positive action to improve diversity. 
• Undertaking regular equality monitoring of Chambers composition, how we recruit and earnings. 
• Active engagement in Bar Council initiatives, including responding to consultations.  
• Active engagement in the Bar Council EDO network and sharing best practice 
• Leadership and engagement in circuit initiatives. Including: women’s forum, the equality committee, and the neurodiversity committee. 
• Responding to the Race at the Bar report with action: implanting our anti-racist statement; undertaking training for staff and members; creation and maintenance of our action plan. 
• Supporter of the Women in Law Pledge. 
• Supporter of the Bridging the Bar and 10KBI scheme. 
• Providing dedicated mini pupillages to candidates from minority groups  We offer 2 places via Bridging the Bar and reserve 4 for Equality Schemes. 
• Ensuring work is allocated on a fair and equal basis through monitoring and implementing supporting actions. 
• Conducting accessibility audits and ensuring our buildings are accessible wherever possible. 
• Consistently developing and reviewing our policies and processes.
• Implementing a relevant mentoring scheme for returners from maternity leave. 

For further information, see our written Equality and Diversity Policy.