Carers' network

Our carers' network provides support to those who have caring responsibilities for partners, friends or family members who have additional needs.

We recognise that these responsibilities will influence carers in the workplace and want to ensure that we provide a supportive environment which understands the challenges that may be faced by colleagues in these positions.

We are delighted that Brodies have been awarded a Carer Positive Engaged status.

It is important for us a firm to recognise and support our colleagues with caring responsibilities. With an ageing population and growing awareness of different disabilities, the number of carers within the firm is only going to increase, we want to ensure we have the correct policies, training and resources in place to support our talented colleagues who have caring responsibilities.

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Carers' network

Key contacts

Leeanne Dunko

Network Chair & Inclusion, Diversity and Wellbeing Manager

Hayley Robertson

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Gender equality network

Our gender equality network provides support and advice to colleagues who need it, creates a safe space for colleagues to share experiences and discuss gender specific issues, and provide access to role models across the firm. Members of our network participated in the Edinburgh University Women in Law society mentor scheme. They also collaborated with people engagement colleagues on the firm's Gender Pay Gap Report, delivered gender bias training, and helped shape the firm's menopause policy.

GEN will continue to champion initiatives that support women, while expanding on the focus to include all aspects of gender equality. Gender equality is not a women’s issue; it’s a shared responsibility, and we’re excited to see more voices shaping the dialogue.


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Gender equality network

Key contacts

Katie Pepper

Network Chair & Senior Solicitor

Sophie Charbonnier

Network Vice-chair & Trainee Solicitor

Rachel McCathie

Network Vice-chair & Environmental/Sustainability Coordinator

Tanya Macleod

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Julie McConnell

Senior Sponsor & BD and Marketing Director

James Wilson

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Multicultural network

Our multicultural network celebrates inclusion and diversity in our firm and works with others in the industry and wider community to better understand and address issues around inclusion & diversity. Some of the initiatives our multicultural network has delivered include the firm's participation in Black History Month 2024, the #mynameis campaign, which encouraged colleagues to use phonetic spelling in their email signatures raising awareness of the importance of correct pronunciation and the respect shown in doing so; and creating a guide to supporting our Muslim colleagues during Ramadan.

I joined the Multicultural Network to listen and learn from my colleagues. The Network has provided a safe space for colleagues to discuss topics like race and religion, and I believe the more we hear from those with a different story than our own, the more positive steps we take towards being an inclusive and diverse workplace. 

Related videos:

Multicultural network

Key contacts

Anisah Ali

Network Co-chair & Solicitor

Nadia Gehlen

Network Co-chair & Senior Associate

Carolyn McLaren

Network Vice-chair & Trainee

Angela McCulloch

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Neuroinclusion network

Our neuroinclusion network brings together colleagues committed to advancing neuroinclusion across the firm. It welcomes those with lived experience of neurodiversity, parents and carers, and anyone passionate about driving positive change. The network provides a supportive space to share experiences, build community, and influence meaningful policies and processes, including inclusive events guidance and a workplace adjustments passport. It also works to normalise conversations around neurodiversity, with members such as senior solicitor and co‑chair David Durie sharing their personal experiences. Below, another member reflects on why creating a workplace where everyone can flourish matters.

I push myself to function at 120% all the time, but the world—and workplaces—aren't designed for people like me. I want to help create a workplace where neurodiverse individuals are not only included but thrive, bringing fresh perspectives to the legal profession. I joined the neuroinclusion network to help make Brodies a firm that genuinely supports and values neurodiverse talent, setting an example for other firms to follow.

Related videos:

Neuroinclusion network

Key contacts

David Durie

Network Co-chair & Senior Solicitor

Kyle Gardner

Network Co-chair & Solicitor

Bob Langridge

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Damien Behan

Senior Sponsor & Innovation & Technology Director

Malcolm Gunnyeon

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Parents' network

Our parents' network was established to share experiences and ideas, create a supportive community, raise awareness of relevant issues, and inform firm policy. Some of the initiatives our parents' network have worked on include a webinar on Parenting Out Loud and Proud in collaboration with the Inspiring Dads organisation - our colleagues shared experiences of parenting out loud and discussed the importance of challenging stereotypes and being positive role models. The network also worked collaboratively with our people engagement colleagues to contribute to the breastfeeding at work and baby loss policies. Visit our Family Policy page to find out more. 

Through regular meetings, the PNG provides a supportive network for parents and parents-to-be in the firm. We also host informative firm-wide webinars on relevant topics such as cyber security, children's mental health and how to deal with parental guilt and anxiety.

Related videos:

Parents' network

Key contacts

Chloe Fitzgerald

Network Chair & Senior Associate

Fiona Chute

Network Vice-chair & Legal Director

Charles Livingston

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Fiona Herrell

Senior Sponsor & Partner

Pride network

Our pride network is a safe space for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to come together to share their experiences and to learn from each other in a private, supportive and inclusive environment. The network raises awareness of issues that matter to the LGBTQ+ community and has influenced change through a number of initiatives including the use of pronouns in email signatures, marking National Coming Out Day with a webinar from Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), and celebrating Pride month by participating in the Edinburgh Pride March.

I was really happy to see that Brodies had introduced the Pride network and therefore was very keen to show my support by joining. So far I think we've made a strong start to creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for members of the LGBT+ community, like myself. One thing we've implemented is to add pronouns to email signatures which might seem like quite a small thing but it's the sort of thing that could make a real difference.

Related videos:

Pride network

Key contacts

Esther Follis

Network co-chair & English Trainee

Olivia Petty

Network co-chair & Knowledge Specialist

Cheryl Hyams

Creative lead & In-house Graphic Designer

Garry Sturrock

Senior Sponsor & Partner