Reflecting on our responsible business activity
Al Watson
Responsible Business Partner
Co-chair Responsible Business Board
Much has happened since sharing our first Responsible Business Impact Report in 2021. The breadth and scale of activity our people have been involved in is truly exceptional.
Involving more clients and alumni in our programme has been a key focus. If you are a member of our REACH alumni programme, invites to our initiatives and events should now be a familiar sight, and we hope a valuable way to stay in touch and work together in different ways.
Sustainability has increased in profile and urgency, both within the firm and in the public consciousness. Acting sustainably is integral to our responsible business strategy and the vision we share for our firm. We've identified and baselined our emissions and started out on our net zero journey. It’s changing how we do things. Our sustainable travel guidelines are reducing our GHG emissions, the way in which we cater in-house has evolved, and this new digital only report plays its part.
Pro bono support has seen further growth with commitment from our lawyers with a new target on dedicated hours. We're also improving our legal advice clinics and collaborating more with community partners to deliver initiatives like the Windrush Project.
It's no secret I hold a particular passion for engaging our wider community and creating social value. Our partnership with the Roundhouse Trust is the definition of responsible business and it goes from strength to strength, combining creativity with each of our focus areas.
I'm excited by our achievements, and about the continued progress and impact we can create for the future. A special and heartfelt mention to the team who work so hard to produce this report to share such valuable work. We couldn't do this without everyone who helped us make a difference: all the individuals, our community partners and our clients really deserve the recognition for all that we have achieved together.
We continually strive to achieve success for our people and clients through creativity, responsibility and teamwork.
Although there's more work to do, it's been fantastic to see all we've accomplished across the firm since our last report and I look forward to continuing our progress on the people agenda in the year ahead.
Wendy Tomlinson
Talent Director
Dan Harris
Head of Responsible Business
Co-chair Responsible Business Board
The world has continued to present its share of challenges and uncertainty, but with that comes opportunity, and a strong sense of community and collaboration. We have invested significantly, embraced hybrid working and improved accessibility. All leading to increased levels of engagement.
Our expansion in Liverpool continues, and with new opportunities to support the arts through TATE Liverpool, complementing our long-standing relationship with the National Portrait Gallery in London. I'm incredibly proud of how the whole Responsible Business team have adapted to these changing times. Our success comes thanks to the support of many including our partner champions, network co-chairs and committee members, and our community partners.
Our inclusive and progressive culture remains central to our firm's growth, doubling down on our gender plan and race and ethnicity strategy. We’re driving change across each of our inclusion priorities with initiatives like our Belonging series, implementing the Mansfield Rule UK and Mindful Business Charter. After many years, our long-running social mobility programme has also now received external recognition listing us as a top 75 employer.
We hope you're inspired by our initiatives, but the satisfaction really comes from getting involved. So, my challenge to anyone who hasn't already, is get in touch and see how you can help us make a difference!