Given recent events across the country, I thought now would be a good time to restate CIPA’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and remind ourselves of why this is important.

We are always mindful that our core purpose is to champion and support innovation in the United Kingdom, and to foster a culture of creativity and growth. When we comment on public affairs, it is to support our members in their pursuit of excellence and to actively contribute to the development of the intellectual property landscape nationally and internationally.

CIPA and its members operate in a multicultural and interconnected world. The recent membership survey demonstrates how we have changed over time to reflect the communities we serve. We want all our people – our members, our volunteers and our staff – to grow and thrive through their relationship with CIPA and to do so in an environment that feels welcoming, safe and inclusive. The distressing scenes we see on the news each day will have an impact on each and every one of us and we stand firmly with all our people who feel directly targeted or affected by these actions. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is resolute and we oppose racism, bigotry and hatred in all its forms.

Through our work on diversity and inclusion, we attract talented people into the IP professions and to work at CIPA. We will ensure that all our people feel engaged and are supported by our work as a professional membership association. We will treat people fairly and equitably. We will ensure equality of opportunity for all our people. Above all, we will create and maintain an environment where all our people, regardless of background or personal circumstance, feel valued. Everybody belongs here.

Lee Davies, Chief Executive

Date published: 12 August 2024