In April 2023 the SRA introduced new rules into the Code of Conduct for Firms and Individuals requiring them to treat colleagues fairly and not unfairly discriminate, bully or harass them, as well as imposing an obligation on managers to challenge behaviour which fails to meet this standard.
The new rules form part of the SRA’s ongoing attempts to address “toxic working environments” in law firms, following their thematic review and guidance on workplace environments in February last year. Whilst undoubtedly well intentioned, the new rules introduce a number of challenges and complexities which firms, partners, and risk and compliance/HR teams will need to grapple with.
We are delighted to invite you to our webinar, ‘New SRA Rules on Unfair Treatment and Challenging Behaviour – What Firms and Partners Need to Know‘, taking place on 14 July at 9.00 am BST.
In this webinar, we will provide an overview of the new rules and accompanying guidance, before considering the following issues in further detail:
- What does unfair treatment mean in a regulatory context? Is there a danger that the new rules could be leveraged in employment/partnership disputes?
- The factors to be considered in order to determine whether it is “feasible” to challenge behaviour in the moment
- How can behaviour be challenged effectively after the event
- How should firms document/demonstrate that behaviour has been challenged
- The overlap between challenging behaviour and the existing rules on self reporting
- Whether the new rules give the SRA a further basis for prosecuting allegations of sexual misconduct
Speakers:
- Adam Tolley KC, Fountain Court Chambers – Employment specialist (among other disciplines), ranked as a “Leading Silk” in Legal 500 and in Chambers, recently appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate conduct complaints made against the Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP
- Beth Hale, CM Murray LLP – Partnership and employment specialist (Chair)
- Andrew Pavlovic, CM Murray LLP – Professional discipline and regulatory specialist
- Sarah Chilton, CM Murray LLP – Partnership and employment specialist
Date: Friday, 14 July 2023
Time: 9.00 am – 10.00 am BST
