Watson Thomas Solicitors Corporate & Social Responsibility Policy
As a family run law firm that is made up of likeminded individuals, we are committed to corporate social responsibility. It guides us in how we deal with our staff and clients through to how we engage with the wider community.
Our aim is to:
- Make a positive impact on the lives of the wider community that we serve
- Reduce our carbon footprint
- Adopt good working practices for our people
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic some of the events that we wish to sponsor may not be active, but where possible, we will achieve our aims in the following ways:
1. Community
Watson Thomas sponsors many local community events, as follows:
1.1. As a practical and very visible way of supporting the community in which our firm and many of our employees and customers are based, Watson Thomas is the official kit sponsor for Fleet Colts Under 12’s Football Team, a not for profit youth sports club of around 300 members, that’s dedicated to helping raise the standards of grassroots football.
1.2. The Fleet Christmas Festival is one of the most popular Christmas events in Hampshire, providing over 100 stalls offering gifts and craft, food drink and live family entertainment. It’s organised entirely by a team of volunteers and would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and community organisations. Watson Thomas is the official sponsor for the live animal nativity attraction that takes place in the centre of Fleet as part of the festival’s entertainment and attracts many spectators.
1.3. Watson Thomas are an official sponsor for the Fleet Lions Beer Festival, a long-established annual event, providing the local community with a selection of beers and ciders to purchase in order to raise funds for local charities.
1.4. Fleet & District Carnival is local charity that has been a part of the community for over 60 years. Watson Thomas is an official sponsor of this annual event, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2020. The carnival is a firm favourite within the community and brings families and friends together whilst raising money for charity.
1.5. Each year we participate in the Macmillan World’s Largest Coffee Morning, raising money to help make a difference people living with cancer.
1.6 To help people in the community talk about a subject that is often avoided, we have joined forces with a firm of family funeral directors and a church minister to create a local Death Café in Fleet, offering a place for people in the local community to come and openly discuss death over coffee and cake. The cafes, which are run in many different countries, are aimed at those who have suffered a loss or who want to prepare for death, both spiritually and on a more practical level.
1.7. Recognising the importance of having an up to date will and taking steps to deal with inheritance tax, the cost of any nursing care and the loss of mental capacity, Watson Thomas regularly visit local care homes for the elderly, delivering talks and offering free advice about wills and probate.
1.8. Watson Thomas offers pro bono legal advice, providing accessible legal services for all. A free initial appointment is available to all our prospective clients.
1.9. For individuals interested in pursuing a career in law, we offer work experience, providing an opportunity to experience, at first hand, what it’s like to be part of a local law firm.
2. Environment
The firm is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and the impact of its operations on the environment.
2.1 We operate a paperless office, thereby reducing our paper consumption and making the storage of our client’s information more secure.
2.2 We always look at our business activities to see if we can do things differently to lessen the impact on the environment, such as reducing unnecessary travel by holding conference calls or holding skype meetings.
3. People
3.1 Watson Thomas is an equal opportunities employer and treats people equally regardless of their racial group, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or marital status.
3.2. We promote work/life balance and our policies on part-time and flexible working arrangements support our people in achieving this.
3.3. We encourage staff development, both professionally and personally. We believe that staff development is key to the sustainability of the service that we offer to our clients.
This policy is owned by the Managing Partner and will be reviewed annually, or sooner, if required to ensure it remains current.
Last Reviewed and Updated 24 January 2022 by Rachel Watson
