1. Purpose of this Statement

Help Me Legal is committed to conducting its business in a manner that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. This statement sets out the principles that apply to the way we engage with clients, employees, consultants, applicants, suppliers, professional contacts, referrers and all other persons with whom we interact.

This statement applies to all aspects of our work, including the provision of legal services, recruitment, employment, internal management, client care, professional relationships and dealings with third parties.

2. Commitment to Equality

Help Me Legal is committed to ensuring that individuals are treated fairly, respectfully and without unlawful discrimination.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable equality legislation.

All individuals who engage with Help Me Legal are entitled to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

3. Application of this Statement

This statement applies to:

a. clients and prospective clients;

b. employees, consultants and workers;

c. job applicants and candidates;

d. suppliers, contractors and service providers;

e. professional advisers, referrers and business contacts;

f. visitors to our offices or website; and

g. any other individuals or organisations with whom Help Me Legal has dealings.

Help Me Legal expects all individuals acting on behalf of the firm to comply with the principles set out in this statement.

4. Client Services

Help Me Legal aims to provide legal services in a fair, professional and accessible manner.

We will take reasonable steps to ensure that clients are not disadvantaged because of a protected characteristic or personal circumstance. Where appropriate, we may consider reasonable adjustments to assist clients in accessing our services.

Clients will be treated on the basis of their legal requirements, instructions, circumstances and the professional obligations that apply to the firm. Help Me Legal does not tolerate discriminatory, abusive, threatening or inappropriate conduct towards its staff, clients or representatives.

5. Recruitment and Selection

Help Me Legal seeks to recruit individuals on the basis of merit, suitability, ability, experience, conduct and potential.

Our recruitment process is intended to attract candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. Selection decisions are made by reference to the requirements of the role and the qualities required to perform that role effectively.

In assessing candidates, Help Me Legal may consider academic achievement, professional experience, technical ability, communication skills, judgement, integrity, work ethic, attitude, interpersonal skills and overall suitability for the working environment of the firm.

No candidate should be treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic or because of any other factor that is not relevant to their ability to perform the role.

6. Working Environment

Help Me Legal is committed to maintaining a working environment in which all members of the team are treated with courtesy, fairness and respect.

We expect all employees, consultants and representatives of the firm to conduct themselves professionally and to avoid behaviour that could amount to discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying or intimidation.

The firm values a workplace culture that supports professionalism, collaboration, accountability, good judgement and mutual respect.

7. Diversity and Inclusion

Help Me Legal recognises that diversity contributes positively to the quality of our work and the service we provide to clients.

Different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and personal qualities can strengthen decision-making, improve communication and support a more effective professional environment.

Help Me Legal aims to maintain a culture in which individuals are able to contribute meaningfully and are valued for their skills, character, commitment and contribution.

8. Reasonable Adjustments

Where Help Me Legal is made aware that an individual may require reasonable adjustments, we will consider the request in accordance with our legal and professional obligations.

Reasonable adjustments may relate to the way services are provided, communication methods, access arrangements, working arrangements or recruitment processes.

Each request will be considered on its own facts, taking into account the individual’s needs, the nature of the request, the firm’s operational requirements and any applicable legal obligations.

9. Standards of Conduct

Help Me Legal expects all persons engaging with the firm to act respectfully and appropriately.

The firm does not tolerate conduct that is discriminatory, harassing, abusive, threatening, offensive or otherwise inconsistent with the principles set out in this statement.

Where inappropriate conduct occurs, Help Me Legal reserves the right to take appropriate action. This may include refusing to act, terminating a client relationship, taking internal disciplinary action, ending a business relationship, or taking such other steps as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

10. Compliance and Review

Help Me Legal will seek to comply with applicable equality legislation, professional obligations and regulatory requirements relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.

This statement may be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect changes in law, regulation, professional guidance, business practice or the needs of the firm.

Any updated version published on our website will replace the previous version from the date of publication.

11. Responsibility

Responsibility for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion rests with all individuals working for or on behalf of Help Me Legal.

Managers, employees, consultants and representatives of the firm are expected to apply these principles in their dealings with clients, colleagues, applicants and third parties.

Help Me Legal will continue to promote a professional environment based on fairness, dignity, respect and equal opportunity.