Herbert Smith Freehills Partners Samantha Brown and Chris Parsons have been named in the inaugural list of senior leaders championing mental ill-health issues in the workplace.
Published by InsideOut - the mental health action group - the first ever 'InsideOut LeaderBoard' has been devised to help break the stigma surrounding mental ill-health in the workplace and to recognise business leaders who are supportive and open about their own personal battles.
Individuals on the list were selected on the basis of nominations solicited from across the spectrum of business sectors. The list currently comprises 39 workplace leaders across the UK.
Herbert Smith Freehills CEO, Mark Rigotti, said:
"We are extremely pleased to have had Samantha and Chris included in this inaugural list. The firm is taking positive steps globally to raise awareness, promote greater mental health and wellbeing by providing training and support where necessary. We want to help our people prioritise their mental health and wellbeing and reinforce a supportive, respectful and inclusive culture."
Partner Chris Parsons has participated in the firm's 'This is Me in the City' mental health campaign and is a passionate advocate of openness and support for mental health in the workplace. He is also a trustee of MQ, a mental health research charity.
Samantha Brown is the co-chair of the firm's Ability Network and has also participated in the 'This is Me in the City' campaign. She is a frequent panel speaker and has been interviewed on the BBC and in other national media on mental health. She is a trustee of United for Global Mental Health, a mental health campaign and financing charity.
The InsideOut LeaderBoard was officially launched on 20 March at Liberty Speciality Markets.
For more information visit www.inside-out.org.