Shoosmiths publishes its 2023 annual ESG report

Shoosmiths has published its 2023 ESG Report which is one of the key ways we disclose on ESG matters during the year.

Highlights of the year included:

• Our long term science based target to reach net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by FY2040 was validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and we reduced our total emissions in 2022/2023 by 16% versus 2021/2022.
• We continued to enhance our development programmes to progress equitable outcomes for our people. This includes Inclusive Leadership to 40 partners and senior managers and the return of our Reciprocal Mentoring Programme with 15+ pairs taking part.
• We expanded our participation in the Pirical diversity benchmark to include gender and socio economic status, as well as ethnicity, to progress creating a socially mobile world. This data enhancement enables us to look more closely at recruitment, retention, attrition, and promotion data, and identify areas of focus, which form firmwide and divisional action plans. We continue to voluntarily report partnership, ethnicity, LGBT+ and social mobility pay gap, alongside the mandatory gender pay gap reporting requirements. Our annual pay gap reports can be viewed here.
• We donated £49,690 via the Shoosmiths Foundation to the charity Jericho. Jericho has used the funds to support its Jump Start project which provides additional assistance to its beneficiaries after they have undertaken work placements in one of the charity’s social enterprises.

The report details:

• The key governing bodies overseeing the control and direction of ESG matters and the important employee networks helping to champion our priorities https://www.shoosmiths.com/our-responsibility/accountability-and-management-of-esg
• Progress against our 2022/2023 targets and our priorities for 2023/2024. We are particularly focused on advancing a net zero future, ensuring equitable opportunities for all our people, and creating a socially mobile world.
• Pro bono clinics supported and client case studies about the Manuel Bravo Project, Computer Aid International, Nottingham Women’s Centre, Coverdale and Newbank Community Association as well as an individual assisted through the CommuniCare pro bono clinic operated in the Thames Valley office
• During the year we worked with 127 organisations, with £175,000 donated as a consequence of firm donations and staff fundraising.

Progress against our ESG commitments is made possible by the many colleagues who help us shape and deliver our ESG programme and to the many external stakeholders who work with us.

Nicola Ellen, Head of Corporate Responsibility commented.’ We are committed to improving our approach and therefore ESG performance and very much welcome comments, questions and suggestions that will help us deliver against our targets and shape our future priorities. Please contact [email protected]

You can read the full report here and find details of other reports located here.