South West law firm Stephens Scown LLP has gained B Corp certification for its policies on putting people and planet first.
The accreditation by the non-profit B Lab, is a first for a law firm in the South West and makes Stephens Scown one of only a handful of B Corp law firms in the UK.
B Corp Certification requires a holistic review of a business’ social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and is based on a vision of creating a community of for-profit companies committed to redefining success in business.
Managing partner, Richard Baker, said: "As the first large law firm in the UK to become employee-owned, we have built a dynamic and innovative business dedicated to delivering for its clients and providing a rewarding and supportive workplace.
"Gaining our B Corp certification underlines our long-term commitment to also being a force for good in wider society."
The firm, has a Giving Back programme which encourages fundraising, volunteering, pro bono work and reducing the business’ environmental impact.
Joint head of Stephens Scown’s Corporate team, Laurie Trounce has observed that sustainability (economic, social and environmental) is also becoming a key driver among business leaders, shaping their decision making. She said: “We work with a number of businesses who are evolving their decision-making frameworks and adopting new ways of working, including through employee ownership and B-Corp certification.
“In light of the issues businesses are facing in a post-Covid marketplace, such as recruitment challenges and adapting to a hybrid working structure, businesses which are able to build their purpose into the DNA of their organisation will be able to use it as the glue that unites remote teams, creates brand value, and enables them to meet the inevitable consumer demand for more purposeful businesses in the future.”
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