FOCUS: THE EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE

Lachlan Stewart and I had a really fun afternoon doing an assembly at St Michaels C of E Primary in Handsworth where we hope to return for further workshops. I think we both found it more fun than a usual afternoon at work and we received a rousing round of applause at the end.

We are one of the largest committees in BLS encompassing subcommittees with specialist areas of expertise and insight. We are seeking new members for some committees and actively seeking a Chair for the gender subcommittee in particular.

The work of the EDI committee and sub committees is very much focussing on recognising challenges, sharing good practice, providing support and celebrating the diversity of our legal community in Birmingham. We also have projects like the Judge Brenda childrens books which need the wider support of the Birmingham legal community to help us meet our pledge to distribute a copy of Equal to Everything to every primary school in Birmingham. Many of us have contributed to this distribution and made a positive impact on primary schools in our city. However, we still have over 100 books to go and need more volunteers.

Personally, I have met some amazing students and teachers at primary schools where we have already had a positive impact.

If anyone is interested in helping give away a few books please contact the BLS office to arrange to collect your books having selected the schools you will visit from this spreadsheet here

Full guidance is available and all you need to do is be willing to drop a book off at reception at your designated school. Here are some photos from visits to schools (I have emailed them Jess- to you from my personal email and also some from Sonja via LinkedIn message)

This book programme also forms for the basis of a wider outreach project going into schools from primary upwards, to talk about the role of law and lawyers in society, whilst promoting and giving examples of the wide range of backgrounds from which we come, and the diversity of work we do. I am grateful for those who are supporting this initiative including our President Tony McDaid.

The EDI Committee run a programme of events between us demonstrating the talent and commitment of the sub committees. As a committee made up of volunteers there is a limit on what we can achieve with limited active members and so we are seeking new members for some sub committees. Expressions of interest with a short statements of your motivation for applying, your experience and insights would be welcomed by the Gender Subcommittee in particular.

Our membership comprises men and women and has in the past run events covering International Women’s Day but also mentoring, menopause awareness, well being and we work with the Midland Circuit Women’s Forum quite often. The Judge Brenda book project originates from this group as does the event on 7th February celebrating 100 years of women in Birmingham becoming solicitors but bringing it up to date with a discussion of intersectionality and Muslim women in the legal profession (see my separate article).

If anyone is interesting in hearing more about the committee or subcommittees covering social mobility, REACH, gender and disability do contact me at c.edwards@keele.ac.uk I am also keen to widen the scope of the committees by establishing new ones.

By Catherine Edwards, Chair of EDI Committee and Reader in Legal Education, Keele University

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Event

Charity operates and funds three air ambulances covering six Midlands counties including the West Midlands.

Since 1991, the charity responded to more than 70,000 missions. Each year it costs between £11-12 million to maintain the three aircraft and the provision of a lifesaving service. The charity does not receive funding from the Government or National Lottery for its daily missions so relies entirely on the support and generosity of local people and businesses.

Consider supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving prehospital emergency service by attending one of their fundraising events.

HUNTER CHASE: CHELTENHAM’S SEASON

FINALE - FRIDAY 5TH MAY 2023

Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, UK

The Cheltenham season comes to an end with their only evening fixture on Friday 5 May 2023. It's a meeting that allows amateur riders and trainers to compete for the ultimate dream of winning at the Home of Jump racing with seven fiercely fought Hunter chases over distances expected to range from an extended two miles to four miles.

National Hunt Restaurant packages

£115 per head*

Package Includes:

• Admission ticket

• Three course meal

• Tea & coffee served after meal

• Table for the event

• TV racing coverage

• Betting Service

• Course facing restaurant

• Complimentary car parking

• Hospitality team to ensure the smooth running of your day

* Excludes drinks

Book your tickets at www.midlandsairambulance.com/events