The Legal Services Board (LSB) has released proposals that could see law firms and barristers' chambers in the UK forced to publish data about the diversity of their workforce.

The proposals, which have been backed by charities including Mencap, Sense and the Sutton Trust, come as part of the LSB's increased focus on diversity in the legal sector and opening up the profession to prospective lawyers from non-traditional backgrounds.

Law firms and chambers would be required to publish anonymous results of their own diversity surveys, with staff and fee earners – including partners – questioned on socio-economic background, as well as matters such as age, race, disability, religion, gender and sexual orientation.

Individuals within the firms will not be forced to respond to the diversity survey, although the providers will be obliged to report the results to their regulator.

It is hoped the proposals will enable regulators to assess the impact of initiatives designed to widen access and improve retention and progression of lawyers from non-traditional backgrounds.

LSB chairman David Edmonds (pictured) said: "Whilst there has been positive work on widening access to the legal profession, there are apparent continuing inequalities. Through these measures there will be greater transparency and sharper scrutiny by regulators and consumers based on published data. Appropriate policies can then be developed on the basis of the evidence we collect."

The proposals will now be consulted on with a number of the regulators overseen by the LSB, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board, as well as several private practice institutions and third sector organisations. Following the consultation, the LSB's board will come to a decision about what form the initiative will take and when it will be implemented.

The news comes amid an increased focus on diversity schemes as part of the Legal Services Act, which will be implemented later this year.