Pinsent Masons is one of a select number of businesses to receive a Business in the Community 'Big Tick' award. The awards are part of the National Awards for Excellence, the UK’s most influential, independent, peer assessed corporate responsibility awards. The Awards for Excellence reward businesses who demonstrate the positive impact they have had on society, and also the business benefits created by ensuring that being responsible is integral to their business model.
Pinsent Masons has won two new Big Ticks in the Education category, which recognises programmes that raise the attainment and aspirations of young people by building sustainable partnerships with schools for the benefit of pupils aged 5-19 years in the UK. In particular, Pinsent Masons has been given the honour for its work with St Matthews Primary in Nechells, Birmingham and its work with Cockburn College in Leeds. Pinsent Masons has also been reaccredited for its work with the Manchester Academy.
Pinsent Masons won a further Big Tick in the Building Stronger Communities category, which recognises genuine partnerships between businesses and communities, where businesses have worked with local communities to identify issues or areas of need, and are targeting disadvantage. The award recognises sustainable programmes or initiatives that are making a lasting impact. Pinsent Masons has been given the honour for its Business Advice Clinic in the West Midlands, which supports entrepreneurs and start up businesses with pro bono legal advice.
Furthermore, Pinsent Masons has been reaccredited in the Employability (Work Inclusion) category for its work with Tomorrow's People and the Working It Out programme in London.
Jonathan Fortnam, CR Partner of Pinsent Masons commented; “We are delighted to receive a total of five Big Ticks this year. They are testament to the ambition of our firm and the commitment of our people who together are making a difference to the education and employability of children in some of the most challenging areas of the UK and the entrepreneurs who have the ambition to create jobs and opportunities for those children.”
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: “I congratulate Pinsent Masons on achieving their Big Ticks. It is a challenging time for business, but this is a sign that companies are not losing their focus and are transforming their businesses to make a positive impact on people and society and are prepared to lead by example. That’s what Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence are all about – celebrating responsible business, the leadership that makes it happen and the benefits to the business and society of doing so. Communities and consumers need to see that businesses are proactive, visible and engaged on the big issues of the day, as Pinsent Masons has demonstrated.”