VersaFi (formerly WCM)’s Post

Today we published an update on our Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. @UKSupremeCourthttps://lnkd.in/dCbFY-7Z we published an update on our Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. We are aware of the barriers that many people face in the legal profession, and are working to support increasing diversity and an inclusive culture. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d4ZgTuqG Source: XJustice News247

Dear Justice Organizations, If your organization advocates for currently incarcerated or justice-involved individuals yet lacks representation from within these communities in its leadership, it perpetuates systemic issues rather than addressing them. How can initiatives like Fair Chance or Second Chance be effectively promoted when there's a glaring lack of respect for the lived experiences of those they aim to support? It's easy to point fingers, but true progress requires introspection. Furthermore, it's essential to acknowledge that the existence and employment of such organizations are often sustained by the narratives and struggles of the very individuals they discriminate against. Asking us to share our stories without compensation or acknowledgment further exacerbates the inequity. It's time to recognize the value of these narratives, not just as tools for organizational advancement, but as vital voices deserving of fair treatment and respect. One cannot authentically champion second chances without being willing to extend them to all, including those of us directly impacted by the justice system. #Secondchances #Secondchancemonth #Fairchance

Working together is crucial. Although my law practice has primarily been defense centered, i.e. employers, on occasion I will handle an employee. Starting with an employment attorney to proactively establish your business as compliant in the multitude of state and federals laws… is just the first step, because consistent application is just as important. #EmploymentLawyer #HRConsulting #LifeCoachLauraW #CoachLauraWeis #MentalHealthMattersLAW #BreastCancerSurvivor #CancerWarrior #LiveWithGratitude🙏 #ShineOnGorgeous🪷 #LookUpGorgeous💋

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is 60 years old. I've dedicated almost half my life and all of my career to upholding it. I've counseled human resources in-house for close to 20 years on every iteration of protected classes and activities. In each interaction, I thought of the individual employee as a person. I acted with empathy and compassion, with reason and prudence. The call for "the dignity of work" echoed in my mind. Dignity comes when we are treated fairly and enables each of us to feel satisfied at the end of the day. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 leveled the playing field to ensure all persons have the benefit of providing good works and to have the personal grace and understanding of work's dignity. Most importantly, to do so without fear of discrimination based on protected class or retaliation for protected activity. In 1986, Bruce Hornsby sang a number one song with the lyrics: "they passed the law in '64, to give those who ain't got a little more... But the law don't change another's mind when all it sees at the hiring time, is the line on the color bar, no...." Hearing people sing about Title VII has always made me smile. Is it true though? Is discrimination "Just The Way It Is"? Not when human resources acts with integrity and with sound legal guidance. No workplace should deprive anyone of enjoying the benefits of employment free from hostility, prejudice, discrimination and retaliation. As an employment attorney, I've taken great pride in ensuring my employers complied with this basic law which codifies human rights. The future is undetermined. May the Civil Rights Act protect us all for the next 60 years, and then 60 more years beyond. https://lnkd.in/e9Nj7g99

Happy Human Rights Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and dignity for all. Every voice matters, every action counts. Together, let's stand up, speak out, and strive to create a world where human rights are upheld and respected, today and every day. Anneri Coetzer Geminus Nexus Consulting

Today is International Women’s Day - a day of global activism and celebration to mark the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and to act as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done. This year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, which aims to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and cuts to the heart of Police Now’s mission, to inspire outstanding and diverse graduates to be leaders in society and on the policing frontline. We know that women in policing and in society face significant challenges. Recent reports focusing on policing’s internal culture and Violence Against Women and Girls make it clear that there is still a long way to go to make women feel safe in the workplace and wider society. Police Now is committed to improving diversity and inclusion within the police service and communities, by recruiting outstanding individuals and equipping them with the skills and support needed to foster inclusive environments, challenge negative cultures when they see them, and lead in ways that build public trust and confidence in policing. Hear from some of the women recruited and trained via Police Now’s programmes as they speak about their passion for empowering others and being the change they want to see. 

LinkedIn Framily, Community voting is now open for SXSW 2025! The amazing Syia Lewis asked me to join Fawn Weaver and Marcus Bullock in a sure-to-be-dynamic conversation about how the lack of accountability in the workplace can circumvent justice and inclusion. How could I say no to possibly being on stage with THE FAWN WEAVER. While I don't purport to be a DEI specialist, I do have some thoughts I'd love to share. As some of you may have read in my previous posts, I received many calls about media-related DEI jobs after the murder of George Floyd. None of them felt right primarily because they didn't have success metrics, and what doesn't get measured, doesn't get done. I've also shared here how I prefer "belonging" over "DEI" because words matter. Check out the proposal for an honest discussion about accountability in DEI and the future of work after the dismantling of many DEI initiatives. In order for this conversation to be had at SXSW, the panel has to be in demand. So, please VOTE VOTE VOTE before the August 18 deadline - https://lnkd.in/gxYDvy6Q #sxsw #sxsw2025 #belongs #dibs #DEI #panelpicker #diversity #equity #inclusion

📰 Fraser Ayres: We must ask whether our industry contributed to the riots "Many people believe ignorance is at the heart of racism. It seems there’s still a lot of work to do." In the wake of recent violence and unrest, Fraser Ayres, our CEO & Founder of TCN and creator of 'Sorry, I Didn't Know' reflects on the deep-seated issues within our own industry. It’s time to confront the biases within our circles and take responsibility. Our industry’s retraction from diversity and inclusion isn’t just hurting us now—it’s shaping a future that sidelines crucial voices and stories. We must act now to reverse the rollback on diversity and inclusion, and show that diversity enriches us all. 🔗 Read the full article via the TCN website https://buff.ly/3SQPgFg or via Broadcast https://buff.ly/4fOqgZa

NAS has adopted five Core Values which inform its work: 1. Independence: NAS works with the person independently of others and free from all conflicts of interest. The advocacy process is led and guided by the person. 2. Autonomy: NAS supports the right of the person to self direction/determination and to make informed decisions based on their will and preferences. 3. Equality/Citizenship: NAS supports the right of every person to assert and enjoy their human rights, to participate in society as an equal citizen and to fulfil their full potential within a life of their own choosing. 4. Respect: NAS works with the person in a way which demonstrates respect for the person as an individual and for their privacy, dignity and autonomy. All NAS staff, partners and directors will act in a way that demonstrates respect for the people who use NAS and each other. 5. Empowerment: NAS aims to facilitate the person to be an active participant in decisions which affect their life, through the way in which the advocacy process is carried out as well as the outcomes it seeks to achieve.

Today, we celebrate National Justice Day, a reminder of the importance of fairness and equality for all. Let's work together to create a world where justice prevails. #NationalJusticeDay #equalityforall . . . #JusticeForAll #EqualityMatters #Fairness #SocialJustice #EqualRights #HumanRights #JusticeSystem #StandForJustice #InclusiveSociety #LegalJustice