Pinsent Masons awarded four prestigious ‘Big Ticks’ by Business in the Community

Pinsent Masons received a new Big Tick for the firms’ work with Tomorrow's People in the Work Inclusion category for which it was also shortlisted for the first time. In addition, the firm was reaccredited with three Big Ticks in the Education category, demonstrating that its programmes are still exemplary examples which continue to have a significant positive impact.

Chris Graham, a Solicitor from Pinsent Masons’ Leeds office, also won a Yorkshire & Humber Local Impact Award and has been shortlisted in the Employee Volunteer of the Year category.

Pinsent Masons’ partnership with the Tomorrow's People 'Working It Out' programme was shortlisted in the Work Inclusion category. The category recognises businesses that help disadvantaged people into employment and/or improve their employability skills. As well as reaching the national standard set by assessors to receive a Big Tick award, by being shortlisted the firm has presented to a panel of judges for consideration as the overall winner of this national category. Winners will be announced at the National Awards Gala Dinner being held at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 July 2013. 

Chris Graham's Local Impact Award is for implementing an innovative mentoring programme for Year 10 boys at Pinsent Masons' partner school, Cockburn School in Leeds. The programme aims to raise aspirations and uses volunteers from Pinsent Masons to provide positive male role models for disadvantaged male students who the School has identified as 'Gifted and Talented'. The noticeable impact on student aspirations and academic achievement inspired Chris to introduce the programme to two more schools in Birmingham and Manchester, allowing many more students to benefit. Winners will be announced at the local Gala Dinner being held on 20 June 2013.

Pinsent Masons’ work with St Matthew's Primary School in Birmingham, Manchester Academy and Cockburn School in Leeds has also been praised in the Education category. This category recognises businesses building sustainable partnerships with schools in the UK, in order to raise aspirations of young people to enable them to build successful working lives. 

Kate Fergusson, CR Manager at Pinsent Masons commented: “We are delighted, this is the first time we have been shortlisted for a Responsible Business Award in the Work Inclusion category and it recognises our long term partnership with the Working It Out programme. These awards are a 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 in the UK.”