On Tuesday 30 January 2024, Cardiff & District Law Society’s Ethnicity Network subcommittee hosted a lively and engaging panel event to explore how and why legal professionals can add value to deliver a more diverse representation on boards.
Hosted by Trish D’Souza, Legal Director at Blake Morgan LLP, Vice President of the CDLS and Chair of the Ethnicity Network, who was also one of the illustrious speakers, the panel explored and discussed the benefits of increased diversity and representation on boards, how getting involved with boards can enhance careers, and how those in the legal profession (no matter how junior!) can get involved.
Trish was joined by Pavan Arora (Managing Director at Yolk Recruitment), Allan Howells (ex Deputy Vice Chancellor for Staffordshire University and ex pro Vice Chancellor for Wrexham Glyndŵr University), and James Adeleke (CEO of Generation Success), all of whom are experts in their respective fields and have had various involvements with a wide range of boards.
The speakers shared their own experiences of participating on boards, the importance of diversity on boards, how their experiences have upskilled them (both professionally and personally), and how it has helped their career development, along with what opportunities are available to those in the profession and how to make the move towards becoming a board member/trustee.
The speakers emphasised that all in the legal profession, no matter where they may be in their careers, are able to participate on boards and be valuable board members.
Worrying about what to say or having a lack of confidence are common concerns for those beginning their journey, but the speakers stressed that the more you do the more your confidence will grow, and all boards will provide training to new members – you’re not expected to know everything straight away!
Each individual will have their own experiences, skills, knowledge, perspective and qualities that they can bring to a board.
Our thanks to our speakers and attendees for joining us and sharing their insights.
Event recording
If you would like to watch the recording of the panel event, you can do so here.
Get in touch
If you have any questions for any of our speakers please get in touch at admin@cardifflaw.org, or you can contact them directly on LinkedIn.