Social and Environmental Impact
We recognise there is much work to do, but we’re up to the challenge. After all, we’re used to big ‘unlimited’ thinking.
Our unlimited partnership approach and commitment to deep relationships extends beyond our clients and colleagues to our local and global communities.
The stated purpose of our firm is to find and deliver effective solutions which enable both our clients and our people to fulfil their potential and build their better worlds through clear and dynamic thinking. As a result, we think carefully about and actively manage our social, economic and environmental impact.
Our business plan for the next three years is built around transformation which requires KPIs that measure more than just financials and client service. These Environmental, I&D and CSR goals help keep us on track and the commitment to transform these areas is baked into our DNA as a result.
Our journey to Net Zero
A key step has been for us to engage with the inspiring group of volunteers at Third Planet Collective to support us on our journey to net zero. We will soon begin training sessions in collaboration with Third Planet Collective to help everyone at Fladgate identify ways to minimise their negative impact on the environment and be as planet-friendly as we possibly can.
What are we doing to help minimise our environmental impact?
We operate a highly flexible and international service out of one office - minimising our footprint.
We are persistent in our efforts to reduce the footprint of this one office (we are already among 30% of firms with the lowest footprint in the sector). We have built environmental considerations into our day-to-day operations, e.g. where possible, our cleaning contractors use ecologically friendly equipment and products; our obsolete furniture, both wooden and metal, is recycled.
We keep ourselves accountable and report in our accounts on this as required by Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting Regulations (SECR).
We promote and support a highly flexible/remote working approach to reduce the daily commuting costs on the environment. To support this, we also provide: cycle parking and a Cycle2Work scheme; and shower and changing facilities for Partners and staff who wish to cycle to work.
We uphold strict criteria around the use of international travel.
Our environmental and sustainability team has identified a range of additional small steps which are reviewed constantly e.g. minimising use of paper, cutting electricity usage, using sustainable supplies/products, and recycling (our confidential waste materials are pulped and recycled for example)
Positively impacting our local community
We know how to both think big, and keep things brilliantly one to one. That’s why each year we choose a national and a local charity to support. Our chosen charities for 2021 include Macmillan and The Trussell Trust. Throughout the year, our internal philanthropy group organises and promotes fund raising activities internally and externally.
How are we working to make a positive community impact?
Our give back initiative looks for individuals to contribute their time, their experience and their support to projects and local initiatives.
Our main focus for 2021 is a new mentoring partnership with the East London Business Alliance which will pair volunteer mentors from all areas of the firm with secondary school students to support their development and enable young people to be ready for work and increasing their aspiration, employability skills and knowledge of career options and future pathways.
Other give back initiatives involve a firm commitment to encourage support in the local community.
During lockdown, we encouraged colleagues to contribute their time to help others around them in practical ways such as shopping and assisting vulnerable people. The firm actively supported colleagues to take time from the working day to show a little kindness to those around us.
