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GLS Networks

The GLS has established a number of communities and networks to provide fora for exchanging views and conduits for information.

Many groups are responsible for facilitating a joined-up approach to certain areas of law and practice across Government. These groups meet regularly and use the LION (Legal Information Online Network) intranet to share information with all GLS lawyers. Some of the areas covered include: ADR, criminal, devolution, discrimination, European Court of Justice, CHR, employment, European, information law, intellectual property, litigation, procurement and regulation.

There are also a number of GLS networks that cover particular areas of interest:

Diversity Network: Aims to serve as a community within the Government Legal Service. Entertaining and informative events with speakers are regularly held. Past events include a Chocolate & Spice lecture and tasting exhibition and a talk by a Government lawyer recently returned from Iraq.

Legal Trainee Network: An informal group set up with the aim of giving trainee solicitors and pupil barristers across Government the opportunity to share experiences and discuss common issues. It holds regular social events for trainees, a new joiners’ lunch for the trainee intake each year and an annual GLS Trainees’ Seminar.

Part-time & Flexi Working Forum: Aims to promote best practice (and consistency in practice) across the GLS in part-time working. The group meets every six weeks, and also holds lunch events to give part-time GLS lawyers an opportunity to network - and possibly meet their future job-share partner!

Pro Bono Network: Offers encouragement to GLS members who are interested in doing pro bono work and supports those doing it already.

GLS Social Committee: Organises events for GLS members to meet and relax together. So far events have included a pampering evening at Space NK, Tea and Carols at the Ritz and Rococo chocolate tasting.

The Civil Service also has many networks in place; to name a few:

Civil Service Disability Network
Aims to act as a link between senior managers and disabled people working in the Civil Service and to provide a forum for dialogue on disability issues.

Civil Service Race Equality Network (CSREN)
Aims to influence and advise upon policy and practice in order to advance race equality in the Civil Service.

Civil Service Rainbow Alliance
Offers support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender staff across the Civil Service.