Following the launch of SWA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiative this week, SWA is pleased to announce the introduction of a free legal helpline as well as a starter guide, to help members – wholesalers and suppliers alike - embrace diversity and further build an inclusive culture.

 

To bring members this support, we have partnered with leading law firm Burness Paull to help navigate this increasingly important area of business.  Burness Paull’s employment law team is the largest in Scotland, ranked as Tier 1 by the legal directories, and acts for clients of all sizes.

 

We have created a free legal helpline which offers expert advice and guidance.

 

Members can use the helpline by completing the Enquiry Form or by calling 0141 487 6558.

 

The free helpline can be accessed for 30 minutes on two occasions during any six month period. SWA members will also receive a 20% discount on legal fees if they engage Burness Paull for further support.

 

Burness Paull’s cohesive cross-departmental food and drink team is well versed in providing expert guidance on issues facing the industry. Their food and drink lawyers have extensive experience across the entire supply chain, from manufacturing through to wholesalers and retailers, acting for many of Scotland’s best-known names in the sector.

 

Alongside the helpline, the Embracing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Starter Guide & Checklist has been designed to help members harness the benefits and opportunities that a DE&I culture provides. The guide explains what the law says in this area, what is meant by DE&I, and suggests some steps an organisation can take to improve diversity and inclusion, promote equality, prevent discrimination, and reduce the risk of grievances, disputes and potential claims arising in the workplace.

 

While there is already some great work on DE&I going on in the industry by individual members and colleagues, feedback tells us that many members still struggle to know where to begin.  Our starter guide and helpline offer easy access to the best information available locally and tools to help ensure everyone feels welcome, respected and valued within your teams. 

 

SWA very much sees this as the start of the conversation with members about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and as the basis for building a future programme of advice and support that meets members’ needs. Our starting point is with the legal obligations that everyone really needs to know and understand.

 

Do you have feedback or questions? Contact ylva@scottishwholesale.co.uk.