Penningtons Manches Cooper achieves Stonewall’s Proud Employer ‘Leader’ status

We are delighted to announce that Penningtons Manches Cooper has been awarded ‘Leader’ status in Stonewall’s Proud Employers Accreditation in recognition of its LGBTQ+ inclusive culture.

The benchmarking and accreditation tool was launched last year and is designed to help employers assess and progress LGBTQ+ inclusion across eight areas of employment policy and practice. Organisations awarded Leader status are setting the standard, with impressive, consistent and wide-reaching impact.

Megan Mosey, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, says:

“This recognition reflects not only our ambition to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, but also the intentional way we strategically utilise external benchmarks to help give structure, sense-check progress and provide evolving best practice guidance which we apply through the lens of our own values and culture. Our approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion is shaped by what matters most to us: neutral and inclusive policies and processes that centre empathy, respect, authentic representation, and community evolution.”

Aura, our LGBTQIA+ committee: at the heart of our progress

The firm’s LGBTQIA+ Committee, Aura, and its dedicated members, have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Their commitment helps ensure inclusion efforts remain meaningful, people-centred and grounded in lived experience. Their work ranges from awareness raising to shaping internal guidance, and their contributions continue to feed into the policies and everyday practices.

Reflecting on the culture behind our accreditation

We’re pleased to spotlight our recent LGBTQ+ History Month podcast, where our Aura co-chairs explore identity, inclusion and the power of community within the firm.

Looking ahead

Achieving Leader status is a significant achievement – one that acknowledges both progress and continued commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and developing DEI practices.

Megan Mosey concluded:

“We are grateful to be recognised externally by organisations such as Stonewall. External frameworks will continue to offer useful perspective as we review and strengthen our practices, but it is our people, our values and our community driven approach that will continue to define our path.”