Peter Swinburn, CEO of national law firm Clarke Willmott, has been recognised at the inaugural National Inclusion Week Awards after being named joint winner of the event’s Inclusive Leader Award.
Clarke Willmott was the only legal organisation represented at the awards, which recognise people and organisations making a meaningful difference through inclusion.
“We are really pleased to be recognised on a national stage for our team efforts. For me, inclusion is about creating an environment that enables people to contribute, develop and succeed, regardless of their background,” says Peter Swinburn, who was joint winner with Troy Francis from Southern Housing.
“Leadership has a big part to play in creating that environment, but it is something that must be lived every day, not just talked about. It was particularly rewarding to see that work recognised alongside so many organisations committed to creating more inclusive workplaces.”
Clarke Willmott colleague Emma Davies-Perks was also highly commended in the Navigating Change, Building Trust Award for her work with Catalyst, the firm’s flagship programme designed to improve social mobility through greater access to careers in the legal sector.
“Catalyst is about breaking down some of the barriers that can make a career in law feel out of reach,” said Emma, the firm’s early careers advisor.
“We want to create accessible pathways into the profession and give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to develop, succeed and bring their perspectives to the legal sector.
“It’s fantastic to have that work recognised, and it reinforces why creating those opportunities matters.”
Peter and Emma were nominated by Karen Higgins, head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Clarke Willmott.
“For me, inclusion is about turning ambition into action – embedding it in the way we operate, the opportunities we create and the positive impact we have on our people and our wider community,” says Karen Higgins.
“Peter and Emma have both been instrumental in bringing that ambition to life, through their leadership, the opportunities they’ve created and the difference they’ve made. It’s wonderful to see their contribution recognised on a national stage.”
Organised by Inclusive Employers, the National Inclusion Week Awards recognise people and organisations making a meaningful difference through workplace inclusion. Other organisations recognised at the awards included Currys PLC, Mite, Southern Housing and Domestic & General.
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