We recently caught up with Rosy at HFW to find out more about the firm’s Healthy Minds Network…
Introduction to yourself and your route into HFW
I am a Marketing and Communications Senior Executive based in HFW's London office. I have been in the role since September 2021.
Prior to this, I worked at membership organisations within the medical and energy industries, before moving into legal.
What were the main reasons you wanted to join HFW over other firms?
HFW has 20 offices globally and I had never worked at an international firm within such a large Marketing and Business Development team.
HFW has a reputation for having a 'family-feel' culture and I can testify to that. I feel like I have friends in Sydney, Hong Kong, Piraeus, Geneva, Paris, and Houston, though we may never meet in person.
Please could you give us a general insight into what diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging looks like at HFW
HFW have a series of D&I networks which cover: Gender, Mental Wellbeing, LGBTQ+, Race & Ethnicity, Social Mobility. These networks are open to all and regularly hold events such as socials, webinars, and charitable activities.
Could you please share more detail on the Healthy Minds Network and how it is run?
The Health Minds Network was established in 2015 and is co-chaired by Paul Dean (Global Head of Shipping) and Lynne Jones (Head of Research and Knowledge Resources) who oversee an active working group that help drive the firm's strategy around mental wellbeing. The network aims to raise awareness around mental health, reduce the stigma, and promote support services provided by the firm.
How does this network support employees at HFW?
I was given the opportunity to undertake training to become a Mental Health First Aider at HFW which I found to be an extremely insightful course. HFW has an extensive global network of Mental Health First Aiders which are clearly signposted and regularly highlighted to the firm.
HFW are proud signatories of the Mindful Business Charter (MBC), and the network are currently helping to embed the principles into the firm focusing on a team charter framework and practical toolkits to bring the pillars of the MBC to life.
The network are also active ambassadors for some of the global benefits on offer to colleagues that support their mental health:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - HFW provides free access to an EAP which provides confidential, independent counselling and support to colleagues and family members on a range of issues. The service is designed to help address specific life concerns and stressors that interfere with concentration, motivation, and enjoyment of life, such as job stress, family conflicts, emotional strain, financial concerns, relationship issues etc. The EAP is available 24/7 and has a range of resources, as well as the ability to refer for in person counselling.
- Headspace - HFW also provides free global access to the mindfulness and meditation app, Headspace. It offers a range of different guided exercises to support our people to reduce stress, improve focus and sleep soundly.
Anything else you’d like to add on diversity at HFW or anything else more generally?
Although our employee networks concentrate on several different areas of D&I, they all report into a D&I Committee which directs the firm's wider global strategy. This ensures that the firm takes a cohesive approach to diversity and inclusion.