Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has launched a series of forums, serving as collaborative platforms for members and partners to exchange knowledge, innovative approaches and best practices on a range of pertinent topics. One of these forums is the Equity Forum which will have its next meeting on 11 November.

What is the Chamber’s Equity Forum?

The Equity Forum was established to bring together key organisations and provide a powerful collective voice to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the business community.

The forum facilitates a space where members and partners can share knowledge, address challenges and develop strategies to promote equitable environments within their respective organisations.

The Equity Forum is led by Chamber partners and members. Run in conjunction with Emma Waddingham and the team at Legal News Wales, the forum is chaired by Acuity Law’s Liz Gibbons and vice-chaired by Hugh James’ Gwen Morgan-Evans.

Meet Liz Gibbons, chair of the Chamber’s Equity Forum

Liz is a partner in the real estate team and is head of social housing at Acuity Law, acting for social housing providers in relation to acquisitions, disposals and refinancing of properties. With a focus on strong relationships, excellent client service and a commercial approach, Liz is ranked by both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.

Liz is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion issues, understanding the significance of initiatives like the Chamber’s Equity Forum to build an inclusive business community in Wales that is founded upon principles of fairness and opportunity for all.

Liz works for Chamber partner Acuity Law which has a diversity and inclusion committee dedicated to promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to feel supported, be authentic and open. Throughout the wider business community, Acuity Law works to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive and compliant practices through thought leadership. Its employment team also holds conferences and events on key DEI topics and publishes regular guidance to businesses.

Liz Gibbons said:

“I am thrilled to chair the Chambers Wales Equity Forum. For Welsh businesses to succeed, they need to capitalise on the strengths of their workforces and recognise the skills and contributions that come from all parts of our communities. I’m committed to empowering businesses to promote equitable and inclusive practices, building a forum that supports individuals to grow and achieve within Welsh organisations through these essential conversations.”

What other forums has the Chamber organised for members and partners?

In addition to the Equity Forum, the Chamber has also established or is introducing a Clean Growth Forum, Digital Forum, International Forum and Manufacturing Forum.

For further information on any of the forums, please contact Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships.