Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Corporate Social Responsibility is about being aware of the economic, social and environmental impact of our business activities and encouraging the integration of socially responsible behaviours in our day to day work.
Corporate Social Responsibility supports and promotes our core values and positively affects our business by strengthening our relationships with our communities and by developing the skills and experience of our staff.
What areas does Corporate Social Responsibility cover?
Corporate Social Responsibility currently covers:
1. Pro bono
2. Charitable giving
3. Community work
4. Education
5. Environment
6. Our workplace
Pro bono
Pro Bono is the provision of legal advice and assistance without charge for members of the public who are ineligible for legal aid, but unable to afford legal fees or to assist charitable and other non profit organisations. Our pro bono scheme currently involves participation in projects with the Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau, ISCRE and the University of Essex together with other initiative such as Will Aid.
Charitable giving
We support a wide range of charitable organisations through donation, sponsorship, advertising and attendance at a wide range of functions such as golf days, cricket matches, formal dinners, receptions and luncheons. Please see our Charities Policy for further details.
Community work
We encourage participation in community projects. Our recent involvement has included support of the IP Art Festival and concerts at the Aldeburgh Music Hall.
Education
We recognise the importance of education in our communities and support for educational establishments is a priority for us. We encourage our staff to apply for appointments as governors of schools and colleges and we work with local schools and colleges – in terms of student placements and with local universities – in terms of induction and other presentations and workshops.
Environment
Our responsibility to the environment and to adopt sustainable practices in the way we do business is a key part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. We are committed to a series of “green” initiatives including in respect of recycled paper, efficient printing, energy saving lighting, recycling of waste products and travel. Please see our Environmental Policy for further details.
We are committed to behaviours which go beyond basic legal compliance. Our aspiration is to proactively bring benefit to the communities in which we work and to recognise the benefits to our business in doing so.
Our workplace
We are committed to maintaining a workplace in which we can achieve our collective goals in a mutually supportive fashion.
We recognise the importance of training and development to allow career progression, providing a comfortable and safe physical environment in which to work and equality of opportunity in our recruitment and employment practices.
We encourage your feed-back and involvement in all areas of the Corporate Social Responsibility
March 2009
