Burges Salmon LLP is a UK law firm with a national and international client base,including FTSE-listed companies, government departments, public bodies, executives and individuals. The firm operates throughout the UK and in all major European and international jurisdictions, and works with independent law firms around the world to meet clients’ international needs. Burges Salmon LLP have been shortlisted for the 2022 Investors in People Award for Social Responsibility.
Why did you enter the Awards?
After achieving our ambition of platinum in 2021 we were keen to enter a submission for a category in the 2022 awards. We see awards as a way of encouraging and sharing best practice.
We reflected on what our people across the firm are passionate about, and proud of, and our Responsible Business work always stands out. We are committed and motivated to share this work to promote social responsibility to other businesses. Responsible business is an important part of the Burges Salmon culture and the people agenda is instrumental as to how we make a positive difference.
What was the key point of your entry?
Burges Salmon is proud of its long-standing commitment to community and giving back. It is important in terms of contributing towards a sense of purpose, being part of the communities in which we live and work, our reputation and recognise that is part of having an inclusive and engaging workplace.
We know that prioritising social responsibility supports us in attracting and retaining talent, having a distinct and engaging culture, contributing towards our people’s wellbeing and resonating with our clients. We receive positive feedback from our people via our engagement surveys, community partners through review meetings and clients through collaborations and pitch wins.
We choose to highlight our working with schools programme which recognises the important way we contribute to the community whilst aligning with our talent, diversity and inclusion priorities.
In the past year we collaborated with 27 education/employability organisations, shared opportunities with 128 schools and reached 1540 students beneficiaries, with 134 of our volunteers.
We know that the work we do with young people from lower income and diverse backgrounds, makes a genuine impact on their lives giving them opportunities that they might not have otherwise had . One student commented “The Insight session was amazing. I will be sure to mention this in my personal statement when I apply for my Law degree! I can’t emphasise how grateful I am”.
Of the students that participated in our Career Insight sessions: 90% would or maybe would, “recommend” a Law Information day to others, 80% rated the sessions as “Good” or “Excellent”.
Of our ‘Bright Sparks’ work experience students: 98.8% would recommend the Bright Sparks work experience to others; 96.8% rated Bright Sparks either as “Exceptional or “Excellent”.
What would it mean to you to win?
For us, our commitment to Investors in People and responsible business is about sharing what we do with others, highlighting what does work, when it doesn’t go to plan and how together we can improve.
Our Working with Schools programme and commitment to social responsibility really is a firm wide effort so winning this award would make us immensely proud and recognise our collective contribution, as well as the important difference it makes to the students and social mobility.
We believe we have an important responsibility to cascade what we have done to other business and for our community, clients and people to see the positive impact these activities have had and can have if others get involved.
Our Awards Are Back!
We are so excited to be back hosting The Investors in People Awards 2022 in person. It’s been too long!
Find out about all the other finalists and book your tickets for the evening today!
