Sills & Betteridge partners and staff recognise the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and Charitable Fundraising.
Below are extracts from our CSR policy which outline each aspect of our commitment.
1. Services for All
A large part of our ethos is the principle that all people should have access to legal services. We are committed to continuing to offer legal services to all clients. The firm is one of the few large firms in the region which still offers public funding (legal aid) to eligible clients across a number of services.
2. People
The partners expect and promote respect between all of our people both in their dealings with each other and with clients, suppliers and other third parties. The firm has a separate equal opportunities and diversity policy which outlines our commitment to the way we treat people.
3. Local Community
We define “community” as the local community within which we operate, namely Lincoln, Boston, Sleaford, Gainsborough, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Skegness, Spilsby, Doncaster, Sheffield, Thorne, Howden, Wath Upon Dearne, Bawtry, Nottingham, Derby and Northampton and their surrounding areas. We commit to contributing positively to the local community by being a responsible neighbour, by building strong relationships with the local community and by being actively involved in local issues.
The firm currently supports the local community in the following ways:-
a) Links with charities and other organisations
We make regular donations of time and money to help support local charities and good causes. During the year various activities are organised to help raise funds including dress down days, cake sales, raffles and sponsored running events. Recent charities we have supported include Save the Children, MacMillan Cancer, Cancer Research UK, Epilepsy UK, St Barnabas Hospice, Butterfly Hospice, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, Boston Women’s Aid, Grimsby Women’s Aid, Doncaster Women’s Aid, Nottingham Women’s Aid, Louth Refuge, EDAN Lincs (End Domestic Abuse Now), Spilsby New Life Centre, Spilsby Rotary Club, Skegness Rotary Club, Carers Support Service and Nomad Trust.
b) Sport and Recreation
We regularly sponsor local sports clubs, leagues and organisations. Current sponsorships include:-
Boston Rugby Club, Sleaford Rugby Club, Doncaster Knights Female Rugby Team, Gainsborough Trinity Football Team, Mid-Town Disabled Football Team, Spilsby Town Football Club, Messingham u6s Football Team, Scotter u18s Football Team, Stapleford u8s Football Team and Skegness Associated Swimming Club.
c) Pro Bono Work
The firm encourages its lawyers to provide free or low-cost legal services to local charities and not for profit organisations.
The firm also gives free initial advice at clinics held both in the office and at other locations across the region.
d) Business in the Community
The firm is involved in the BITC scheme. We also took part in the Lincolnshire Cooperative’s Partners in Reading project. This involved members of staff visiting primary schools to read with children.
e) Schools
The firm has close links with a number of local schools. As a part of this relationship the firm actively participates in their work experience programmes. We usually take approximately 20 students of varying ages in a twelve month period. We also have several partners and employees who are school governors.
f) Suppliers
We aim to support the local economy by using local suppliers wherever possible.
g) Board Membership/Other Appointments
The firm encourages its employees to contribute to the local community by joining committees, trusts and boards.
4. Environment
The partners recognise the importance of environmental issues both locally, nationally and globally. The firm attempts to reduce its impact on the environment by:-
- Continually seeking to improve our environmental performance
- Reducing the volume of waste produced
- Encouraging recycling throughout the firm
- Reducing the firm’s energy consumption by encouraging the intelligent use of all electrical equipment
- Complying with current legislation and best practice
- Increasing staff awareness of environmental issues
Read more about the firm's commitment to sustainable energy here: Law Firm’s Sustainability Initiatives – Steps Towards a Greener Future?
If you are arranging a charitable project or fundraising activity and would like to apply for our help, please contact JLowe@sillslegal.co.uk
