IM Families Offers Fresh Focus On Support With Family Relationships

Irwin Mitchell has launched a new diversity and inclusion network for colleagues, which aims to offer practical support for the issues faced by those managing families and work life balance.

Previously part of the IM Powered network, IM Families has been devised to give a new lease of life to the focus on the needs of colleagues and their family relationships. This includes everything from support for new parents, adoption and surrogacy, though to caring for the elderly.

The new group will be exploring ways colleagues can be supported to effectively balance work and family life. In addition to providing help and advice for those returning to work after a period of leave; there’ll also be guidance and support for those facing the unforeseen and stressful family situations which arise in everyone’s lives.

As part of the firm’s diversity and inclusion network, IM Families forms part of Irwin Mitchell’s aim of becoming a leading responsible business, where fostering an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone can thrive is key to the ongoing success of the wider business.

The firm has continued to improve support for colleagues, which has seen Irwin Mitchell remain the only law firm ranked in the top 20 in the Great Place to Work Institute’s Super Large category.

A consistently high ranking over recent years has been achieved with a range of initiatives promoting wellbeing. These include Flexible by Choice, where colleagues can choose where and when they wish to work, subject to client requirements.

Expert Opinion

“I initially set up a new parents’ group as I felt anxious about returning to work after maternity leave in 2017.

“It really helped me and many others to be a part of a support network where colleagues could share their experiences. You realise you're not alone and there is so much support available.

“We realised we needed a dedicated network, to ensure that everyone has access to this kind of support, no matter what their circumstances and were delighted to be launching IM Families as a new group available to benefit all colleagues.

“The opportunity to have a friendly place to meet and share experiences will remain, but we’ll be building on the work of our other groups, to offer a holistic service for families across the board.

“Our first meeting covered everything from teacher’s strikes, to benefits and the support available when family members are ill. We know a lot of people are facing challenging times right now and we’re looking forward to using IM Families to help tackle some of these worries and concerns together.” Tina Lakhani

All colleagues are welcome to join the Irwin Mitchell diversity and inclusion networks and take part in the various events arranged by each group. In addition to IM Families, the other groups include IM Powered (gender equality); IM Equal (LGBT+); IM Respect (ethnicity, culture and faith); IM Aspiring (social mobility); IM Able (disability and long-term health conditions) and IM Generations (age-related and generational).