Page 24 - Annual Review 2015-2016

Our responsibilities Diversity workstreams are being managed
A continuing goal for us is to embed CSR So far, over £43,000 through our Partner-led Diversity Steering
into the way we do business. It is about the Group and we are steadily building a network
has been granted to
fundamental belief that our values matter. of Diversity Champions across the business so
We believe that living our values enables us to: local charities by the that our people have a voice in the approach
Protect the business whilst creating competitive we are taking. We will continue to build our
DWF Foundation.
advantage, attract and retain the best people, diverse workforce and inclusive culture as it is
differentiate our brand to clients, build stronger also a key driver of people engagement.
long lasting relationships, build goodwill with
our local communities and demonstrate
The launch marked a significant step in our Flexible and agile working
our commitment as a business to behave
journey to develop a culture of contribution.
responsibly and sustainably. We continue to evolve our thinking to enhance
It demonstrates that when we all work together
flexibility and to design a working environment
we can make a significant, positive impact
We will achieve this by continuing to drive to give our people the right space to do their
on our communities. We have grown the
our CSR transparency and accountability, best work, and the services, technology and
foundation organically; it’s powered by our
having clear safeguards on the application
line manager capability to support and accept
of international standards, and a sustained people. This is quite different to the normal
greater organisational flexibility and different
commitment to maintain a personal presence approach – usually firms ‘buddy up’ with
styles of working.
in our local communities. another service provider; however our goal

was to build on the positivity which surrounds
To achieve this we will continue to empower
the existing culture of ‘giving back’ which is
agile employees to work anywhere, anytime –
demonstrable amongst our people.
as long as business needs are met. Ultimately,
it is transitioning to a culture where we focus
The business has engaged across all levels on results and performance instead of time
DWF is committed to going further for and it has been brilliant to watch people and attendance. We have already exceeded
our wider community. From day one from every area work together, get to know our target of at least 25% of our people
each other and unite in doing something designated agile or flexible as their preferred
I have been encouraged to get
good. It has also really made a difference to work style. By 2018, we aim to enable more
involved in volunteering opportunities
see the senior management team attending than 40% of our people to work in a flexible
at local schools and hospitals as well
charity challenge events to show their and agile way.
as making a meaningful contribution
support. People in the business notice and
to DWF’s award winning 5 STAR
it really impacts on their positive impression
Futures programme. of the leadership teams.
Leo Parkington, Birmingham Trainee
Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a culture I am delighted that we held our first ever
that understands and values diversity. Diversity Week this year, because it
Providing equal opportunities when allowed us an opportunity to challenge
recruiting and promoting people, whereby our people to think about their approach
ability, experience, skills, knowledge,
to diversity and inclusion, and whether
integrity and diversity are guiding principles
there is anything they could do differently
in the day-to-day management of our
to help build and maintain a diverse and
business. We recognise that diversity and
inclusive workplace. Our experience has
inclusion has a direct business impact
also shown that diversity and inclusion
through the attraction and retention of talent,
has a positive impact on our business.
our reputational position in the legal sector,
and in relation to our clients who have clear
commitments in this area.
Charity begins at home
On 1 December 2015 we launched our Our Dignity at Work and Diversity and
Charitable Foundation with the sole Inclusion policies support a culture where
aim of providing funds, resources and our people can genuinely be themselves
support to help our communities achieve at work and progress on the basis of merit.
their full potential. We want this to be an inclusive business
and therefore we take great pride in driving
forward this important initiative.