Freeths - 2024 responsible business report review
Freeths are a UK-based, B Corp certified law firm. I’ve enjoyed learning about the impact of their work, in particular their role in advocating for justice in the Post Office Horizon scandal.
👍🏻 Three things I like:
1. CLEAR ON HOW THEY HAVE AN IMPACT AS LAWYERS
They set out the key role lawyers have to play, especially in fighting for justice and a more sustainable, fairer society.
They share lots of specific examples of client projects that have had a positive impact e.g. advising on the development of Europe’s largest solar farm.
And they spotted the opportunity to work pro bono on behalf of the 555 sub postmasters to prepare (and win!) their case.
2. THEY SHARE IMPACT METRICS
Much of the time, businesses share activity metrics (i.e. what they’ve done) but not the “so what” – i.e. the actual impact on people or the planet, the difference their activities have made.
Freeth’s people metrics jumped out as demonstrating the difference their work on diversity, equity and inclusion has made. E.g. 72% of Freeth’s employees are state school educated, 86% of annual pulse survey respondents “agreed they belong and can be their authentic self”.
3. ULAW MENTORING - WIN-WIN
Under the ULaw mentoring scheme, two experienced lawyers provide free legal advice to small businesses and charities. Law students sit in on these clinics to learn from watching the pros.
I love how they’ve combined two often separate activities (pro bono and mentoring) to ensure that Freeth’s investment of time and expertise generates greater impact.
❓Three questions it raises:
1. HOW ARE THEY INFLUENCING SUPPLIERS?
They mention their Supplier Code of Conduct and that they encourage their suppliers to match the benefits they offer to staff, which are often enhanced beyond the statutory minimum.
How have they engaged their suppliers? With what success? What learnings could they share with others?
2. WHAT ARE THEIR EMISSIONS?
They talk about measuring emissions (since 2019) and setting targets – but what are these?
I’d like to see a breakdown of emissions and targets – and understand how those influence their emissions reduction and transition plans.
3. WHAT HASN’T GONE WELL?
I’d love to hear about some of the things that haven’t gone so well – or the challenges Freeths have faced. For example:
What mistakes have they made? What have they learnt?
Where are their biggest negative impacts … and what are they doing about them?
Where aren’t they making the progress they’d like?
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You can read the Responsible Business Report for yourself here. Let me know what you think!
If you’re preparing to write your own impact report, you might find my FREE Impact Reporting Roadmap helpful: