Leading Minds

Wishing all of our wonderful connections, clients and colleagues a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Thank you all for your continued support, it is much appreciated. Looking forward to connecting with you all in 2025! From all of the team at Leading Minds

From regulatory changes to tragic events that spotlighted mental health challenges within the profession, 2024 has been a year of learning and transformation. Here's a roundup of the most significant moments: https://lnkd.in/eaF_4jNq #legalsector #leadinglawyers #lifeinthelaw #leadingminds

SRA CODES OF CONDUCT FOR MANAGERS As well as personally adhering to the new SRA Workplace Culture rules, the new rule 1.5 in the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, Registered European Lawyers, and Registered Foreign Lawyers, contains direct reference to managers challenging unacceptable behaviour demonstrated by others. Specifically, the Code of Conduct for Firms requires law firms to ensure employees meet the standard of not bullying, or harassing, and of treating colleagues fairly and with respect. Therefore, if managers are required to ensure staff to uphold this standard, they must challenge staff behaviour that does not meet the standard. It is also important to remember that all employees of law firms can be prosecuted by the SRA if standards are not met, and if the breach is serious enough. Managers are jointly and severally liable with other managers for breaches of the SRA Codes under 8.1 of the Code of Conduct for Firms. To learn more about adhering to the SRA Codes of Conduct and the responsibilities on managers, you can schedule a call here: https://lnkd.in/eNYZrvtj #SRA #riskmanagement #riskandcompliance #leadersinlaw #HR

Developing your Anti-Bullying Policy In light of the SRA's guidance on anti-bullying in the workplace, we have outlined key consideration around developing your anti-bullying policy, as well as providing an Anti-Bullying template - both of which have been created by our Trainer Katie Jackson, a former SRA Regulator. Key considerations: - To begin with, it is helpful to think about where you will position anti-bullying as an organisation. Will this be with equality and diversity, due to the overlap with harassment and discrimination, or will it be with health and safety due to the potential health impacts? Firms can have a standalone policy, or add sections into policies in these areas. - The alternative is to develop a counterpoint policy which explains the values of the organisation (as determined by staff and senior management), outlines appropriate behaviours, and those behaviours which are inappropriate. The inappropriate behaviours also include anti-bullying. - The introduction to your new anti-bullying policy (or section of another policy), should outline your organisation’s commitment both to employees, and to the wider welfare and reputation of the organisation as a whole. This introduction should also describe how the organisation seeks to deter inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, and that this means there will be disciplinary consequences to such actions if proven. - You can then move on to the regulatory position. It is helpful to outline the regulatory position of the firm and individuals. That being that the firm and individuals are regulated by the SRA, and can be subject to enforcement action, a position that can also apply to overseas lawyers working in the UK, and to non-admitted persons. - Ensure you include who the policy applies to (including for example, the firm, London office, and staff members). Also note the regulator expects your approach to apply to third parties, including barristers and experts, and you can explain in your policy how you are encompassing that position (for example, contractually). Your firm may have views on the behaviours that are appropriate, and those that are specifically not, beyond the SRA’s stance on anti bullying. You may wish to consult with staff and leadership on this part of your policy. Download your free anti-bullying policy template here: https://lnkd.in/daUq7UjK #culture #leadinglawfirms #riskmanagement Please note: this content is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

We are delighted to introduce you to Leading Minds Compliance Specialist, Katie Jackson; former SRA Regulator. With more than twenty years’ experience in legal services management, Katie specialises in organisational culture and organisational development following her masters’ degree in business (Management Consultancy and Organisational Change) from the Department of Organisational Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London. Katie has written three books about legal regulation, all published by Bloomsbury Professional. Her main role at Leading Minds involves the development of our Leadership training suite; supporting firms to achieve positive results in compliance and ethics operations. Her most recent work includes the development of: Consultation framework on SRA Workplace Culture for HR & Partners Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention training for Managers & Leaders   Firmwide Bullying & Sexual Harassment Prevention training SRA Workplace Culture Guidance for Managers and Leaders You can find out more about Katie and our work on SRA compliance by scheduling a call with me on the link below. https://lnkd.in/eNYZrvtj #SRA #riskandcompliance #riskmanagement #workplaceculture #leadersinlaw

We're hiring! Visit our website to find out more about the available opportunities to join our team. https://lnkd.in/ebbcfcTs #hiring #legalsector #leadersinlaw

FIRMWIDE TRAINING: BULLYING & SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION This firmwide webinar is a taught information session which looks at your firm’s internally developed position on preventing sexual harassment and discusses the advice and support available across your firm for a range of different scenarios. It covers: - SRA and regulatory obligations on the your firm relating to anti-bullying and sexual harassment prevention - Recognising sexual harassment and bullying behaviour - Taking action from different viewpoints – for example - bystander, proactive preventer, or being the subject of unwanted attention - Support available across the firm Get in touch for more details on: info@leadingmindsglobal.com or schedule a consultation here https://lnkd.in/eNYZrvtj #SRA #RiskManagement #Compliance #Culture #Leadersinlaw

Management have a particular role to play within the SRA’s new rules and guidance concerning bullying and sexual harassment. As well as personally adhering to the guidance, the new rule 1.5 in the Code of Conduct for Solicitors, Registered European Lawyers, and Registered Foreign Lawyers, contains direct reference to managers challenging unacceptable behaviour demonstrated by others. Specifically, the Code of Conduct for Firms requires law firms to ensure employees meet the standard of not bullying, or harassing, and of treating colleagues fairly and with respect. Therefore, if managers are required to ensure staff to uphold this standard, they must challenge staff behaviour that does not meet the standard. To find out more you can schedule a consultation on: https://lnkd.in/eNYZrvtj #SRA #Compliance #RiskManagement #LeadingLawFirms

The new legislative obligation to prevent sexual harassment is an anticipatory duty, which expects employers to identify and assess the various situations employees are placed in and what the firm can do to help prevent sexual harassment occurring. This new duty supplements the existing requirements in discrimination and harassment – taking an in-depth look at the risks inherent in how we work. The SRA’s position mirrors the legislation, and goes further by emphasising the need to promote equal standing between the firm and staff when dealing with matters of personal concern. Developed by a former SRA Regulator, Leading Minds offers a complete suite training that takes into account the new legislative requirement and the SRA’s position on both sexual harassment and bullying. If you are interested in learning more about how to implement new legislative requirements whilst also adhering to SRA guidance, you can schedule a consultation on info@leadingmindsglobal.com #riskmanagement #riskandcompliance #workplaceculture #leadersinlaw

*Close your year strong with these key dates for your diary* Register for our trainee webinar here: https://lnkd.in/gtfVMp4n Contact Claire.williamson@leadingmindsglobal.com to secure your place on our Burnout Prevention or SRA Guidance webinar. #leadinglawfirms #leadership #culture #SRA #bestpractice