DLA Piper partners with Out Leadership on first LGBTQ+ Board Diversity Guidelines for Hong Kong

DLA Piper has partnered with Out Leadership, the global LGBTQ+ business advisory platform driving LGBTQ+ equality, to publish the first LGBTQ+ Board Diversity Guidelines in Hong Kong. The guidelines, developed to support Hong-Kong based companies draft board diversity policies that include those who identify as LGBTQ+ is a milestone development in advancing LGBTQ+ equality across Asia.

As of 2023, just 5.3% of companies in the Hang Seng Index had LGBTQ+ inclusive board diversity policies. As an international financial center, Hong Kong is in prime position to lead Asia and pioneer LGBTQ+ inclusion as a business imperative.

Developed specifically for businesses listed on the Hang Seng, the guidelines provide business leaders in Hong Kong with the policy tools and road map they need to implement LGBTQ+ inclusive board diversity policies today. The recommendations are immediately implementable, turnkey, best practices tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Hong Kong business environment.

Board Diversity Guidelines coupled with collaboration and partnership can dramatically accelerate the inclusion of LGBTQ+ metrics into board diversity policies, and increase the likelihood that LGBTQ+ business leaders will actually be seated.

DLA Piper is committed to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion and the takes action to make measurable progress within both the legal industry and its local communities by investing in initiatives for underrepresented and marginalized groups in order to effect systemic change. DLA Piper has a leading global pro bono practice and regularly partners with organisations to promote equality and social justice in the community.

Susheela Rivers, Managing Partner of DLA Piper in Hong Kong commented: “LGBTQ+ issues are important to us, our clients, their customers, and their communities. It is about doing the right thing - and for our clients and their businesses, LGBTQ+ equality is non-negotiable. I am thrilled that DLA Piper is working with Out Leadership to create these guidelines. It is exciting to think about how we can help shape our business world for the better.”

Access the LGBTQ+ Board Diversity Guidelines for Hong Kong here.