Courageous Conversations: creating space for curiosity, learning and change

Inclusive cultures are built on far more than public statements and one-off training and as part of our long-term commitment and investment in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) we recognise the importance of always remaining curious. Remaining curious is the antidote to performative DEI; it involves a continuous, humble effort to understand different lived experiences and challenge internal bias.

In financial year (FY) 2025/26, we launched our new ‘Courageous Conversations’ series - a firmwide initiative designed to create safe, honest and thought‑provoking spaces for colleagues to explore some of the most complex and sensitive issues shaping society today. Built on our commitment to leading responsibly and fostering a culture where diverse voices are not just present, but heard and valued, the series invites us to engage in open, meaningful and constructive dialogue that goes beyond the comfortable and into the conversations that truly matter.

Across the year, we hosted sessions that encouraged colleagues to listen, reflect, and share perspectives with curiosity and respect. The first session, held in summer 2025, centred on discrimination and prejudice, with a particular focus on antisemitism. It was a huge success, with 140 attendees, and it set the tone for what the series aims to achieve: a space that embraces multiple viewpoints and helps us think more deeply about the lived experiences of others.

We continued the programme with a courageous conversation exploring LGBTQ+ hate crime and discrimination, sharing real‑life stories, current data and offering practical tools to build allyship and confidence in challenging harmful behaviours.

Most recently, in March 2026, we held an interactive session on microaggressions – small actions or words that can cumulatively have a significant negative impact; what they look and sound like, why they matter, and how we can reduce their impact by being active allies.

What has resonated most across the series to date is colleagues’ willingness to participate with openness and humility. These discussions are not always easy, but they are essential to the culture we want to build and protect - one grounded in respect, curiosity and shared responsibility.

This is just the beginning of a sustained commitment to courageous, inclusive dialogue across our firm.