1.    Introduction

We acknowledge that running our business has an effect on society. In particular, we have a responsibility to our clients, our employees and contractors, the broader community in which we operate and the environment. As a substantial professional business we have the opportunity to make a positive impact and be a force for good.

We are committed to taking responsibility for our actions and encourage a positive contribution towards improving standards for our clients and employees, minimising our impact on the environment and improving the quality of life of the local community.

By putting our CSR into practice, we are committed to:

• conducting ourselves responsibly and in an ethical manner;
• creating a positive and supportive working environment;
• supporting our local communities, particularly those who are most in need or in any way vulnerable;
• improving service levels to clients;
• acting fairly in our dealings with suppliers and other third parties;
• reducing our impact on the local and global environment.

2.    Communication

We communicate this policy and specific measures to support it to our staff, clients and other stakeholders by means of its publication on the Firm’s website and through internal publications and training such as ‘The Gaby Hardwicke Post’ and ‘Lunch and Learn’.

3.    Responsibility and Review

The Firm’s Board has overall responsibility for our CSR strategy and for implementing this policy. Its members have a key role in ensuring that the systems and controls we have in place are effective.

All members of staff have a role to play in complying with our CSR objectives and are encouraged to make further suggestions in relation to initiatives we could undertake. If any member of staff has a suggestion, they should contact their Team Manager, the Board or any Partner.

We are fully committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability. In line with that commitment, we actively encourage all staff members who have serious concerns about any real or perceived departure from the high ethical standard that we set to voice those concerns openly.

We are committed to ensuring our policy remains effective. As part of our ongoing commitment, this policy is reviewed at least annually to verify its effective operation. Records of the reviews are maintained and any necessary amendments are made to the policy, as appropriate.

4.    Our CSR Principles

Our conduct:

We aim to adopt the highest professional standards and never to act in such a way as to compromise our firm’s integrity or the integrity of anyone within it or having dealings with it.

We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SRA publishes and maintains Standards and Regulations, with which we comply in spirit as well as in letter.

We actively promote respect between our staff members in their dealings with each other and with clients and other third parties.

Our working environment:

We recognise that our staff are our most important resource. We actively seek to offer our staff a positive and healthy working environment and ensure that they have rewarding careers and job satisfaction.

We maintain a set of policies and procedures relating to the firm and its staff, which sets out the obligations and expectations of all members of staff.

We seek to ensure that all staff have access to the training they need to enable them to deliver a high-quality service.

We value all staff members and will create, maintain and promote a working environment which is free from any form of discrimination or disrespect.

Our community:

In considering our impact on the community, we have created, funded, and resolved to sponsor or otherwise support the Gaby Hardwicke Foundation, an independent registered charity.

We select, support and raise funds for a Charity of the Year in conjunction with and supported by our staff.

We support other charities and good causes by operating a charity discount scheme, financial donation, sponsorship, promotion to our staff and clients, and by participating in the governance of such charities and good causes.

We enable each member of the firm’s staff to undertake a day’s work or other supportive activity for a charity or good cause at the firm’s expense, through our ‘Community Day’ scheme.

Our clients:

We are committed to delivering a high level of service to all our clients. We understand that our business exists in a very competitive market and in order to retain our clients we need to deliver a professional and courteous service. This is achieved by the auditing of our files across the Firm, by circulating client feedback and through client satisfaction questionnaires.

Wherever possible, we take steps to promote equal opportunity and access in relation to the legal services that we provide. We take account of the diversity of the communities we serve in order to ensure that, subject to funding constraints, no one is denied access to our services.

Suppliers:

We are committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination and to promoting equality and diversity in our professional dealings with suppliers and other third parties.

We endeavour to enter into clear and fair contracts with our suppliers. We commit to the timely settlement of suppliers’ invoices.

Wherever possible, we aim to support the local economy by contracting with local suppliers.

We operate a Bribery Act policy and do not permit the acceptance of any significant hospitality or other benefits from our suppliers.

Environment:

We are committed to behaving responsibly and to minimising our impact on the environment.

In considering the environment, we have resolved:

• to encourage environmental responsibility among our contractors, suppliers and staff;
• to include environmental considerations in our purchasing and procurement processes;
• to minimise our consumption of natural resources and manage waste through responsible disposal, reuse and recycling, including cardboard, paper and ink cartridges; and
• to promote sustainable practice across the firm through an on-going ‘Gabys Goes Green’ campaign.