Firm diversity data Q&A
Updated 2 April 2025
We collect information about sex using the question 'What is your sex?' and provide options to answer 'male', 'female', 'other preferred description' and 'prefer not to say'. We do not require people to answer this question in accordance with their legal sex.
We collect information about gender identity using the question 'Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?'. And provide options to answer 'yes', 'no' and 'prefer not to say'.
We appreciate there are many strongly held views on monitoring for sex and gender identity and the recommended approach is evolving. These questions were last reviewed in 2021 and were settled after listening to a range of voices. We recognise that this area is still evolving – we are monitoring the situation and will keep these questions under review. For those who may object to the wording of either question, you can select prefer not to say or leave the question blank.
No, the requirement to collect, report and publish diversity data only applies to SRA-regulated firms. We collect this information from solicitors who work in-house through our individual diversity monitoring questions on mySRA.
Yes, all firms, regardless of size, must collect and report its workforce diversity data. If someone is concerned about disclosing personal information because the firm is small, there is an option to select 'prefer not to say' for all questions.
Whilst the requirement to publish a summary of your diversity data also applies to sole practitioners and small firms, we recognise that it may not be possible to do this without the risk of identifying individuals.
They only need to complete one questionnaire. This should be for the firm where they do the majority of their work and spend most of their time. If they work for several firms on an equal basis, they should complete the questionnaire for the one they have been working for the longest.
Yes, but only those who are contracted for three months or longer with you.
It does not matter whether they are paid through invoices or through the payroll. Consultants should be included within the appropriate role category as if they were employees.
All firms regulated by us are covered by this requirement. However, if your main firm is linked to other regulated entities, such as corporate partners, we only expect one report to cover the group.
You can create a group when you report your data to us, by linking these related entities to the main firm. All those within the group will then be covered by your diversity report.
Yes, there are external providers who can carry out a diversity survey of your staff for you. Please remember that you will still need to report your firm diversity data to us.
Both the data you provide in mySRA and to your law firm are important in helping us understand and promote diversity in the profession.
The information you provide in mySRA is personal to you and cannot be entered for you by your firm. We use this information for reporting, research and evaluation. It helps us improve how we regulate, making sure we are fair and inclusive in how we develop and apply our regulatory processes.
The data we collect from your firm covers everyone there (not just solicitors) and is reported to us anonymously. We use this to create a detailed picture of diversity in law firms across the profession.
All firms should consider if and how they could publish a summary of the data, but if you cannot do this without risking the identification of individuals, you are not required to publish. There may be ways that you can present a summary of the data which could minimise the risk of identification. See our publishing guidance for more information.
No, if you cannot publish some or all of your diversity data, you do not need to apply for any exemption or waiver.
When you report your data to us, we will ask you whether you are proposing to publish your data. If you tell us that you are not, we will ask you to tell us why.
This is a regulatory requirement and we may take action if you do not do this. This means your firm could be issued a fixed penalty fine for non-compliance with this regulatory request.
You must give people an opportunity to respond but you cannot compel anyone to provide their diversity information. There is a 'prefer not to say' option for every question.
To encourage people to respond you should explain the purpose of the survey and reassure them about confidentiality.
Yes, the requirement to collect, report and publish diversity data is set out in the Code of Conduct for Firms. It is an important part of upholding SRA Principle 6 which is to 'act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion'.
Monitoring the diversity of people working in your firm will help you assess whether your firm is diverse. And whether you could do more to encourage equality, diversity and inclusion.
You can compare your firm's data with the diversity of other firms like yours using our firm diversity tool.
This is a regulatory requirement, and we will consider actions such as issuing a fixed financial penalty to firms which do not report its diversity data to us when required.
You must give people an opportunity to respond but you cannot compel anyone to provide their diversity information. There is a 'prefer not to say' option for every question.
To encourage people to respond you should explain the purpose of the survey and reassure them about confidentiality.
For more advice about equality, diversity and inclusion please see: