Detoxifying the workplace

• The Solicitors Regulation Authority has updated its Code of Conduct and guidance, making it clear that legal professionals must treat their colleagues fairly and with dignity.
• It also puts the onus on managers to challenge behaviours that breach the code.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has turned its focus on promoting a positive workplace culture and stamping out ‘toxic’ behaviour, with new sections to the Code of Conduct which require fair treatment of colleagues, a requirement not to bully, harass or discriminate, and for managers to challenge behaviours that do not meet this standard. This is not the SRA taking on a more pastoral role for lawyers, but is to address poor client service that might arise due to poor workplace practices.

In May, the SRA also updated its guidance on the workplace environment to help firms and individuals understand