Our Commitment To Responsible Business
We are committed to creating a positive impact - on our environment, our people, our communities, and the way we do business.
This means:
- Taking meaningful action to address climate change and reduce our environmental footprint.
- Fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone is welcome and can thrive.
- Making a lasting, positive contribution to the communities we serve.
Upholding the highest standards in business conduct and legal practice. - Our commitment is informed by our Responsible Business Strategy.
The environment
We are committed to playing our part in tackling climate change. Through a structured action plan, we actively seek to manage our environmental impact and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our efforts include:
- Maintaining progress with our Carbon Reduction Plan to be carbon neutral by 2050
- Recycling initiatives and waste reduction measures.
- Installing solar panels to support renewable energy use.
- Choosing suppliers with strong environmental credentials.
Our people
Our people are the foundation of our success. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for everyone to thrive in a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.
- Through apprenticeships and career development, we help people build their skills and progress in their careers within a supportive and inclusive environment that drives social mobility.
- We have a robust EDI strategy which fosters an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their best.
- Since 1996, we have continuously maintained our Investors in People Bronze accreditation.
The community
We believe in giving back to the communities in which we work. Our commitment to social responsibility includes:
- Supporting four regional charities with fundraising efforts at each of our offices.
- Regular grants to regionally based charities through our VWV Charitable Trust
- Providing every staff member with an extra day of leave to volunteer for a charity of their choice.
- Offering free pro bono legal advice to eligible organisations.
Business conduct
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Our accreditations and policies reflect our dedication to excellence and integrity:
- We are accredited with Lexcel, the UK Law Society’s quality mark for legal practice and compliance.
- We are ISO accredited which supports our approach to quality, security and the environment.
- Recognised by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading UK law firm.
