We recognise that we are accountable for all our activities to our clients, employees, suppliers and the wider community in which we operate.

We are committed to behaving reasonably and responsibly at all times and to making as full a contribution as possible to our local economic and social development while improving the quality of life of our employees as well as of the local community.

What is CSR?

CSR can mean many things but it centres on the concept of “sustainable development”.

It has been described as “how business takes account of its economic, social and environmental impacts in the way it operates – maximising the benefits and minimising the downsides”.

In plain terms, it is about taking responsibility for the impact of our business on all those who are affected by it.

Why have a CSR policy?

As a business we recognise that we should give something back to and participate in the community in which we operate. We must address issues of global warming as they are no longer theoretical issues but now real problems that we can all impact on.

The way in which we do business will dictate the footprints we leave behind and if we can maximise the benefits and minimise the downside we can help create a better world.

Our Aim

By putting CSR into practice we want to ensure that wherever possible we are:

• Acting in an ethical manner
• Improving the overall service given to our clients
• Creating a positive working environment for our employees
• Giving back to our local communities
• Minimising the impact on our environment

Where we are

Professional Standards and Clients

We must maintain the highest possible professional standards set for us as solicitors. Our clients are entitled to our full support and we should provide them with the best advice possible in the most cost effective and appropriate manner.

Employees

We must be responsible, flexible and non-discriminatory when recruiting potential employees and must actively encourage the employment of women, those from ethnic minorities, older and disabled people.

We are committed to the improvement of the service we give by the training and development of our employees. We recognise that people are entitled to life outside work, we must help them maintain a work life balance and we must trust one another to do their best.

Pro Bono

We are proud of our existing record in undertaking and supporting charitable work in our local community and our reputation for carrying out Pro Bono work. Some examples of this are mentoring law students from both the College of Law and Black Solicitors Network and working with local Citizen Advice Bureaux.

Communities

We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen through our support to local charities. Through our Clinical Negligence team we are actively involved with Headway and have held Dress down Days for it and for Genes for Jeans. We are currently looking at organising a Blood Donor Day to help aid with much needed supplies. As we are always looking for ways to get involved with the local communities we welcome suggestions and ideas from our staff.

Environment

We have in place and are actively looking for further ways to reduce energy consumption, minimise the use of paper, use Fair Trade products where possible and to increase the way we recycle. We encourage the use of public transport and working from home if economically viable.

By taking on board this policy we know as employees of McMillan Williams we can achieve

• Growth and profitability of the company
• Ease in recruiting and retaining our employees
• Increased morale and motivation
• Enhance our standing and reputation in our local communities
• A more environmentally friendly workplace