Our ESG Strategy
We are committed to driving continual improvement in the development of our ESG programme. We started our transition from CSR to ESG in 2022, when we engaged an external ESG and sustainability consultancy to help us to develop a new strategic approach to ESG.
The first step was to understand our operating environment and conduct a double materiality assessment involving our people and our clients, to help us identify our priority ESG areas. Based on sector guidance and ESG standards, 17 ESG topics were identified as potentially important for the firm to address. We tested those topics with more than 350 internal stakeholders and clients. In addition to the stakeholder insights, a business impact assessment was conducted to identify the risks and opportunities associated with the ESG topics. The resulting matrix revealed six ESG topics for the firm to address: carbon emissions and clean energy; climate change; equity, diversity and inclusion; health and wellness; sustainable supply chain; and social impact.
We grouped these six priority topics, which form the basis of our strategy, into a four-pillar strategic framework: Environmental; Social; Governance; and CSR.
Our ESG framework addresses concerns that our internal stakeholders and clients identified as being important to them; it also aligns with our commercial risks and opportunities and adheres to universally recognised standards, ensuring comprehensive disclosure in our future reporting. Each of our pillars is complemented by relevant KPIs and targets, enabling us to monitor the progress of the implementation of our ESG strategy over time.
A key component of our ESG strategic framework has been the development of our ESG vision:
“Through our actions today and ambitions for a just tomorrow, we are empowering change, leading with purposeful governance, and fostering a progressive culture.”- Grace Kerr, Chair, ESG committee
Related policies and documents
Our ESG strategic framework
Environmental – minimising our environmental impact
Our objectives are to monitor and continuously improve our environmental performance to support the transition towards a net zero economy.
Key topics:
- Carbon emissions and clean energy
- Climate change.
Social – inspiring our people
Birketts is dedicated to building a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Key topics:
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Health and wellness.
Governance – influencing positive change
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to collaborate with and influence our valued partners to share best practice and be more sustainable.
Key topics:
- Sustainable supply chain.
CSR – enhancing our communities
Create and nurture relationships with community and charitable organisations, sharing our resources to support their endeavours and improve the lives of those who need it most.
Inspire and support our people to share their time and skills for positive change in the communities in which we work.
Key topics:
- Social impact.
For further information about our ESG activities please contact:
Our latest CSR activities
Legal Walks raise £3,373 for access to free legal aid across the UK
Our Cambridge and London offices took part in this year’s Legal Walks – in aid of Access to Justice Foundation, London Legal Support Trust, Suffolk Law Centre and other local pro bono advice hubs – raising much needed funds for access to legal aid for those most vulnerable.
Birketts’ LGBTQIA+ Network, B-Proud, raises more than £600 for charity during Pride
Our colleagues’ kind donations raised more than £600 firmwide for AKT, a LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness charity, which helps marginalised young people to get back on their feet and find a place where they can be accepted for their authentic selves.
Birketts launches an ED&I Network ‘EMBRACE’ while fundraising for a domestic violence charity
Our newly launched equity, diversity, and inclusion network ‘EMBRACE’ raised funds for the P.H.O.E.B.E. Centre, a domestic violence charity targeting minority ethnic women and children, with a potluck lunch featuring a taste of cuisines from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Birketts becomes a signatory to the Law Works’ pro bono protocol
Alongside a network of 135 law firms, we have committed to following the Protocol which promotes ambitious standards of pro bono work in the UK. Signing up to the Protocol demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping our local communities and providing a quality service while offering free legal advice.
Birketts colleagues raise funds for Cancer Research UK during the Public Sector Challenge 2024
The Public Sector Challenge 2024 (Yorkshire Three Peaks) is a 24-miles (38.6km) round trip route and includes 5200ft (1585m) of ascent. It takes on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres) in under 12 hours, all while raising funds for breakthrough research in oncology.
Birketts’ Charitable Fund supports communities in the East of England with £83k in funding
Last financial year Birketts’ Charitable Fund distributed more than £83,000 to Community Foundations to support charity work in the East and South East of England communities. Projects supported were aimed at adults and children with mental health issues and/or learning disabilities, terminally ill or helping local schools and colleges provide varied opportunities for their students.