Firm Sets a New Benchmark for Diversity and Inclusion in Ireland
Pictured (L - R): Lorraine, Director of HR, Matheson, and Michael Jackson, Managing Partner, Matheson.
Leading law firm, Matheson, has once again made history by becoming the first organisation in Ireland to be accredited with the Investors in Diversity Gold from the Irish Centre for Diversity for a third time.
The achievement solidifies Matheson's position as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the Irish legal industry and reflects the firm's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees and their contributions and perspectives are valued and respected.
In 2020, Matheson made headlines as the first organisation across all sectors in Ireland to be presented with Investors in Diversity Gold – Ireland’s premier accreditation for D&I performance. In 2022, the firm's ongoing commitment to D&I was recognised when it became the first organisation to achieve the Gold Standard for a second time. Matheson remains the only law firm in Ireland to hold the Investors in Diversity Gold accolade.
Investors in Diversity is only presented to organisations that have successfully integrated diversity and inclusion into the fabric of their operations. Applicants are evaluated across five key pillars:
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership
- Policies, Procedures and Processes
- Recruitment, Retention and Progression
- Recording and Monitoring
- Impact on External Diversity
Caroline Cummins, Managing Director, Irish Centre for Diversity, commented:
"Matheson’s Investors in Diversity Gold credentials continue to impress. The assessment highlighted a workplace culture that is firmly aligned to fostering and progressing D&I values of PRIDE - Partnership; Respect; Innovation; Diversity and Entrepreneurship. This foundation feeds into a Code of Conduct that applies across the business. The team has embraced progress, which has seen an almost 70% increase in volunteer numbers for in-house D&I Committees and affinity groups since our last IiD assessment.
A standout initiative includes a Hybrid Working Committee meeting regularly to ensure nobody within the firm is disadvantaged by their choice of working away from the office. Also, a focus on social mobility sees recruitment materials written and presented with inclusivity in mind - particularly around gender neutrality. Very well done to everyone at Matheson and we look forward to sharing more of your D&I journey of continuous progress."
Commenting on the achievement, Michael Jackson, Managing Partner at Matheson, said:
"Receiving Gold accreditation for the third time is a great honour and we are grateful to the Irish Centre for Diversity for their work in assessing and awarding the accolade. It is also a testament to the ongoing dedication of the entire team at Matheson to diversity and inclusion and to the work of so many people across the firm who give of their time to support our Impactful Business Programme. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace not only enhances our organisational culture, but also drives innovation and better serves our clients. Our commitment extends to promoting D&I internally to create an inclusive workplace for our colleagues, as well as initiatives that provide greater access to the legal profession for individuals from underrepresented groups within our community. This recognition further inspires us to continue our efforts in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and succeed."
Lorraine Roche, Director of HR at Matheson, said:
"Our diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy is at the heart of our Impactful Business Programme, and we are proud to see it recognised with Investors in Diversity Gold accreditation once again. Matheson's D&I strategy is built on six core areas: gender inclusion; intergenerational; LGBTQ+; multiculturalism and social mobility; accessibility; and family and working parents. We take a holistic approach to D&I, recognising the importance of creating a workplace that values employee wellbeing and where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential."
Matheson's achievement in attaining Investors in Diversity Gold for the third time sets a new benchmark for excellence in diversity and inclusion practices in Ireland and underscores the firm's commitment to creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is embraced.
Find out more about Matheson's diversity and inclusion initiatives by visiting the Impactful Business Programme brochure.
