Knowledge Transfer Partnership

University of Nottingham and Browne Jacobson LLP

In March 2023 the University of Nottingham and leading national law firm, Browne Jacobson LLP, began a ground-breaking Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) funded by UKRI Innovate UK.

The KTP aims to develop and embed long-lasting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles and learnings into Browne Jacobson’s practices and processes, amongst its key client-bases and the national legal sector.

The project is overseen by Prof Louise Mullany, Founder and Director of Linguistic Profiling for Professionals in the Centre for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL). It is led by Dr Victoria Howard who is embedded at Browne Jacobson until September 2025.

Read the Knowledge Transfer Partnership press release

Internal research

Year one of the project was focused on Browne Jacobson's internal practices. It involved extensive research into people’s experience of social mobility, performance reviews and promotion into senior legal roles. Findings were presented to the firm through a series of reports and presentations.The KTP team is now working with key stakeholders to embed change to drive improvements to inclusion.

Internships

During summer 2024, we were delighted to host two interns as part of the Faculty of Arts Summer Research Placement Programme.

Interns had the opportunity to undertake research projects on inclusive language in professional workplaces. Melissa Campbell-Oulton and Katia Thordsen worked alongside the Knowledge Transfer Partnership on their own mini research projects. They produced research blogs, posters and literature summaries to support the wider project.

Summer Research Placement Programme internships

Transforming EDI in UK insurance

In addition, and in collaboration with the University's Inclusive Financial Technology hub, INFINITY, the KTP team partnered with lawyers from Browne Jacobson to investigate the EDI-related experiences of people working in the UK Insurance Industry. The team conducted a survey and in-depth interviews with 125 insurance professionals, with findings reported in a report, Transforming EDI Practices in UK Insurance and a roundtable event in London.

The firm’s lawyers used the research findings to inform sector professionals of their legal obligations in relation to EDI. The project received considerable industry press attention and was shortlisted for three awards at the National Insurance Awards 2024: Initiative of the Year, ESG Award and Inclusion and Diversity Award. The team was also invited to provide CPD training to the industry body, the Managing General Agents' Association.