Kilburn & Strode is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and within the IP community.
We were one of the first signatories of the IP Inclusive Charter and we are part of IP Inclusive’s senior leaders’ think tank, which has now launched the new ‘Leaders’ Pledge’. Its aim is to help senior professionals provide visible and active leadership on improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in their organisations.
The new pledge has already been signed by Kilburn & Strode’s Chair Gwilym Roberts, and partners Alexander Korenberg and Jim Miller. We’re delighted that many more of our senior leaders are ready to sign the pledge over the next few weeks.
What is the Leaders' Pledge?
The Leaders’ Pledge is a promise and commitment by individuals, not organisations. Intended for signature by partners, chief executives and others in senior, decision-making roles, it includes a promise to work alongside more junior colleagues to effect positive change.
The Leaders’ Pledge consists of eight high-level commitments, shown below. Alongside each of these, a signatory commits to one or more practical steps they will take to fulfil their pledge. These steps can be tailored to suit the size, structure and resources of the individual business and how far it is already along its D&I journey. What matters most is that they are publicised, both internally and externally, to demonstrate that D&I will not be a box-ticking exercise, will not be consigned to silos within the organisation, but will be championed at the highest levels.
The IP Inclusive Leaders’ Pledge
I commit to:
1. Providing visible and proactive leadership to improve D&I in my organisation
2. Taking D&I seriously at the highest level
3. Embedding and valuing D&I throughout the organisational culture
4. Building trust and safe spaces throughout the organisation
5. Educating myself and my colleagues about D&I issues
6. Sharing my privileges
7. Insisting on equity
8. Working closely with HR and/or management colleagues to achieve this.
Read Alexander Korenberg's pledge.
Read Gwilym Robert's pledge.
Read Jim Miller's pledge.
Read Gareth Fennell's pledge
Read Elizabeth Crooks' pledge
Read Adam Cohn's pledge
Read Richard Howson's pledge
Read Nick Shipp's pledge
Read Caelia Bryn-Jacobsen's pledge
If you would like to know more about IP Inclusive’s work and the Leaders’ Pledge read the full press release here.
Please feel free to ask us what we are doing to promote equity, diversity & inclusion. Contact your usual Kilburn & Strode advisor if you have any questions.