Corporate Social Responsibility

At Cohen Cramer we understand and value the responsibilities we owe to our clients, our people, our local community and the environment.

 

1.            Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out the values of the firm in relation to the Corporate Social Responsibility, with particular emphasis on the environment, people and clients.

2.            Definition

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is about how organisations conduct their business in an ethical way, taking into account their impact economically, socially and environmentally and in terms of human rights.  CSR includes social partners such as local communities, and global responsibilities such as protecting the environment.

3.            Responsibilities to our clients and our people

A close and collaborative working relationship is encouraged throughout the organisation, with legal teams actively managed by a Partner or Associate. We are proud of the quality and dedication of our staff and are committed to providing them with rewarding careers and job satisfaction. We have a separate equal opportunities and diversity policy which outlines our commitment to the way we treat people. This, together with a robust supervision system, ensures we consistently meet the highest standards for our clients every time our expertise is called upon.

Underpinning our work ethic are our values. In everything we do for our clients and in every aspect of the way we work with each other, we remain true to our values of determination, respect and trust.

3.1      Ambition

As individuals and as a firm we constantly strive to better ourselves, be innovative in our thoughts and actions and encourage learning and development to assist, acquire and maintain the requisite knowledge to enable us to fill our responsibilities and the needs of our clients, work colleagues and the firm.

3.2      Integrity

Through mutual trust, we rely and expect each of us to carry out our work to the very highest standards. Through trust we build lasting and valued relationships with our clients, one another and our suppliers.

3.3      Teamwork

The respect we have for each other here at Cohen Cramer is reflected in the respect we maintain for our clients, the environment and the people we come into contact with. Confidentiality is upheld as a way of life with us, understanding that our support and loyalty is essential to a successful relationship with our clients and our people.

3.4      Excellence

As a dynamic team, we are completely focused on making a positive difference to each and every single client. Whilst being passionate about operating to the highest ethical and professional standards, we are totally dedicated to pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients whilst working in the most cost effective manner.

 3.5     Adaptability

As a firm we embrace technological advances and demonstrate a willingness to adapt to change, whether it be in the changing law, the legal marketplace or our workplace.  Our ability to be flexible in our roles means we can offer our clients the same flexibility and a tailor made approach to all their legal services requirements.

4.            Responsibility to our local community and charity

We are committed to supporting our local community and charities by arranging work experience for students from local schools and colleges, volunteering time to local charities, organising fundraising and supporting staff members in their own charitable events.

Some of the organisations and events we have supported include:

• Norwood
  A charity working with people with learning difficulties
• Variety Club – the Children’s Charity
  A charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people
• The Red Cross
  A global organisation helping people in crisis
• Moorfield’s Eye Hospital
  An international centre of excellence for ophthalmic care
• Leeds Children’s Hospital
  An appeal to make every child’s stay in hospital better, brighter & happier.
• Change Leeds
  An initiative run by The Leeds Community Foundation helping to improve the quality of life of people living in disadvantaged communities.

5.            CSR Strategies

Cohen Cramer will seek to seek to achieve corporate and social objectives by focusing on five strategic areas:

5.1      Equal opportunities

Maintaining and promoting our commitment to the fulfilment on the promotion of equal opportunities and to the ethos of the Cohen Cramer Equality Scheme.

5.2      Workplace

Addressing the needs and aspirations of the staff through the continuing development of diversity, work life balance and health and well-being policies and initiatives.

5.3      Environment

Further developing environment and management practices that minimise waste and   maximise efficiencies.

5.4      Community impact

Encouraging the system and employees to greater involvement in team and individual projects in support of the wider community.

5.5      Relations

The development and understanding of a need for good relations both inside and outside the workplace.

6.            Responsibility to the environment

As a modern business we are conscious of, and recognise the impact our actions may have on the environment. Our aim is therefore to minimise this impact by:

• Continually striving to ensure improvement of our environmental performance.
• Reviewing our energy use and ensuring this is kept to the minimum by such measures as turning off all lights, computers and printers each night and monitoring heating and air conditioning requirements and consumption.
• Encouraging recycling throughout the firm by having designated bins for waste.
• Reducing the amount of waste produced throughout the firm by considering re-fillable print cartridges and using scrap paper for note taking.
• Educating our staff and increasing their awareness of environmental issues. 

7.            Personnel responsible for implementation

The management team at Cohen Cramer are committed to the implementation of this policy and responsibility for compliance lies with our Practice and Human Resource Director. We review our Corporate Social Responsibility policy annually.

8.            Induction Process

All employees must be introduced to the approach the firm takes to CSR and the environment during the induction process.  Line managers are responsible for ensuring that this has happened, and employees have understood all aspects of the ethical standards.  For further guidance please see our induction policy.

9.            Interactions with clients and suppliers

All interactions with our clients and suppliers should follow the ethical stance of the firm. Deliberate non- adherence with the ethical standards might result in disciplinary action.

10.         Service development

Development of all services within the firm must be carried out with the guidelines set by the ethical stance.

All communications from the firm must appear to be ethical stance as set out in this policy.

11.         Reporting

CSR activity undertaken by Cohen Cramer staff will be reported to the Practice and Human Resource Director on a regular (at least annual) basis. In addition, CSR activity will be publicised both through the internal newsletter, and externally as appropriate, through a variety of media.