The Legal Services Board (LSB) has released a set of new proposals aimed at addressing persistent barriers to equality, diversity and inclusion within the legal services profession. Despite incremental progress, the sector continues to fall short of reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves. Women, minoritised ethnic groups and disabled individuals remain significantly underrepresented, particularly at senior levels. The LSB notes that a more diverse profession would not only improve consumer outcomes but also strengthen innovation and economic growth within the sector.
To drive meaningful change, the LSB intends to replace its existing diversity guidance with a new framework that places clearer and more consistent expectations on regulators. Under the proposals, regulators would be required to take coordinated, evidence-based action to identify structural barriers, ensure that regulatory processes are fair and inclusive, and improve access to entry routes and career progression for individuals from all backgrounds while maintaining high professional standards. The framework also emphasises embedding respect, inclusion, wellbeing and cultural change within professional conduct and competence regimes.
The LSB is seeking views on additional steps it could take beyond the proposed statement of policy, signalling its intention to create long-term, measurable improvements. Interim Chief Executive Richard Orpin stressed that a diverse profession enhances public trust and consumer outcomes, while interim Chair Catherine Brown highlighted that these proposals form part of a wider sector-wide effort to build a more inclusive and resilient legal services market.
The consultation is open until 2 March 2026.