Category: Corporate Responsibility (CSR)
Subcategory: Giving to the Community
Award won: Professional Services sector
View Original Entry
At The 2014 Peer Awards, CharlesRussell Speechlys (a full-service law firm) won the overall Peer Award for Excellence in the Professional Services sector for their project ‘Life Matters’. This project was derived from their relationship with Blackfriars Settlement and a desire to give targeted support to its elderly group.
Quite rightly written in their entry, “education is seen as the dominion of the young, however, the elderly are also in need of re-skilling so that they can cope with later stages of life”. Life Matters was about bringing trainee lawyers together with an elderly community, allowing for each person who attends to take away something that supports them in the future.
For the elderly group at Blackfriars they gain support, free legal advice, useful information and a place in a welcoming community. For the trainees, they gain new experiences in presenting legal situations in an innovative, light-hearted manner – often acting out complicated issues in simple role plays and using skits. This project equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to face legal issues that relate to older generations. Additionally, they gain an appreciation of the importance of getting involved with the local community in a positive way, understanding that CSR isn’t just about financial donations, it’s also about investing time.
Robert Bond, Partner at CharlesRussell Speechlys, said, “The Award came as we were merging with another international law firm who had an existing community programme and there was competition to keep all our projects alive. I am thrilled that the Award not only kept Life Matters alive but actually furthered our commitment to Blackfriars Settlement and Life Matters at CharlesRussell Speechlys.”
CharlesRussell Speechlys kindly hosted our recent Corporate Responsibility Peer Lunch at their London headquarters. Robert Bond spoke of their experience with The Peer Awards, commenting that entering for these awards allowed for greater visibility for the CSR work they are doing, particularly with Life Matters, across the organisation. It brought teams together and gave them a reason to put into words what they had achieved and insights they have gained.
Read More about CharlesRussell Speechlys’ 2014 Peer Awards Entry.
Do you have an innovative project you would like to enter? Enter Here.
View all Awards & Categories.
Leave A Comment