UK Supreme Court signs up to the Black Talent Charter
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has announced today that it has signed up to the Black Talent Charter. The Court joins over 20 signatories who have already signed up to the Charter.
The Black Talent Charter was launched in October 2020 by Harry Matovu KC and Michael Eboda, the founder and CEO of Powerful Media, and it is led by Harry Matovu (Chair) and Laura Durrant (CEO), senior black professionals with first-hand experience of the issues in question and many years' experience of working in the organisations it supports.
Their mission is to ensure the percentage of black professionals matches the UK working population within 10 years, with representation at every level, whilst supporting people to be their authentic selves.
The Black Talent Charter team will support the Court administration, offering their knowledge and expertise and providing a framework by which the Court can measure its progress. They offer events for staff, and will support the organisation to develop a deeper recognition of talent to collectively accelerate progress. The Charter and the Court will also run a joint event later in the year for black lawyers.
As an organisation, the Court is committed to continuing its journey to becoming a truly diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society it serves and in which black professionals can prosper and flourish.
Vicky Fox, Chief Executive of the UK Supreme Court said:
"We are delighted to announce that the Supreme Court is now a signatory of the Black Talent Charter. As an organisation, we want to be a true reflection of the society that we serve. We want to ensure that black colleagues progress and flourish here and more widely, across the entire legal profession. We need to do more to increase the pace of change and I look forward to working with the Black Talent Charter team and others to play our part in addressing the under-representation of black talent in the legal profession."
Laura Durrant, CEO of the Black Talent Charter said:
"The Supreme Court's support for the Black Talent Charter is an important step in recognising the need for collaborative commitment and leadership in the equitable recognition and advancement of Black talent. Our team is delighted to work with the Supreme Court team, particularly in advancing Black talent within the wider legal profession."
Notes to Editors
For press enquiries, please contact:
Scot Marchbank - Head of Communications (UK Supreme Court and JCPC) scot.marchbank@supremecourt.uk (+44)(0)7760 991037
Rebecca Lowson - Media and Communications Manager (UK Supreme Court and JCPC) rebecca.lowson@supremecourt.uk (+44)(0)7825 283877