Burges Salmon has been named a Responsible Business Champion by Business in the Community (BITC) – the business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business founded by HRH The Prince of Wales – in its Responsible Business Awards 2020.
The firm is recognised in the Education Partnerships category for its Working with Schools programme, a comprehensive and dedicated portfolio of long-term structured partnerships and activities to stimulate, challenge and include young people – particularly from less advantaged backgrounds – building confidence, essential skills and career aspiration.
Through this dedicated programme, Burges Salmon runs Law Information Days for students in Bristol and Edinburgh, and provides two-week work experience opportunities as part of its Bright Sparks scheme. In 2019, the firm worked with over 950 young people and so far in 2020, more than 800 have already been engaged through the programme.
BITC’s awards celebrate businesses that are making a significant impact in eight responsible business areas and the Education Partnerships category specifically recognises those addressing inequality in education to tackle the attainment gap for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Commenting on the awards, Burges Salmon Senior Partner Chris Seaton says: “Responsible business is one of our strategic priorities and our Working with Schools programme is a key component to drive social mobility and inclusivity. We bring students into a working environment and teach them skills that are useful for any future career and, importantly, we are helping to break down perceived barriers into the legal profession, which is critical for greater inclusivity.
“We recognise that young people are the future of our business, client-base and community, so it’s fantastic news that Business in the Community has named the firm a Responsible Business Champion in its 2020 awards.”