Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) sustainability programme has been recognised once again after the firm retained its gold certification from EcoVadis, the world's largest and most-trusted provider of business sustainability ratings.
EcoVadis assesses criteria across four themes: Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, Environment and Sustainable Procurement with many businesses across the world now taking into consideration the ratings of potential clients, suppliers, and partners. The 2023 survey evaluated over 100,000 companies from 200 industries spanning 175 countries.
In 2022, WBD received a rating of outstanding in Environment and advanced in both Labour & Human Rights and Ethics. This year, the firm has maintained those ratings and increased its score in Environment, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement, and is now placed in the top two per cent of all companies reporting globally.
To achieve this, WBD has made several changes in the last 12 months. The firm has introduced a sustainable procurement strategy with clear quantitative and qualitative objectives, finalised an extensive scope 3 carbon emissions report to help fully inform and shape our carbon reduction plans, taken actions to further prevent discrimination in professional development and promotion processes, and achieved silver Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' status.
Additionally, WBD was named ESG Firm of the Year at The Legal 500's Northern Powerhouse Awards, awarded Planet Mark's Data Quality award and recognised as a top 75 employer in the Social Mobility Employer Index.
Nick Barwood, UK Chair at Womble Bond Dickinson, said:
"Each year the requirements to achieve the 'gold' banding increase so to have retained our medal and improved our score is a fantastic achievement and is due to a huge concerted effort across teams in the business.
As a firm, WBD aims to be a responsible business working closely to ensure we deliver the best for our people, clients and communities and EcoVadis is a vital part of assessing our responsible business activity."
Look out for WBD's latest Responsible Business Report, which will be released in September. In the meantime, you can learn more about Responsible Business at WBD and read the latest report here.
Charlotte von Sicard, Responsible Business Manager; and Nick Barwood, UK Chair at Womble Bond Dickinson.
