Top 100 UK law firm Birketts has won Essex Police’s inaugural Employer Supported Policing award, recognising the firm’s commitment to flexible working and allowing staff paid time off through the Employer Supported Policing Scheme.
This is just one of the ways Birketts encourages its employees to consider their Collective Social Responsibility (CSR), with firm-wide events organised in aid of charities and every colleague encouraged to take a day’s paid leave to volunteer or carry out charity work.
There are 122 companies in England and Wales supporting Special Constables or Police Support Volunteers with the Employer Supported Policing Scheme, according to Citizens in Policing.
Birketts Solicitor and Special Constable James Stocker was also nominated for the Chief Officer’s award in recognition of his commitment to the force and his work within the community he serves.
Grace Kerr, Partner and Chair of Birkett’s CSR committee, said: “I am delighted that Birketts has been recognised by Essex Police and look forward to accepting this award on behalf of my colleagues alongside every other deserving winner.
While efforts such as the Employer Supported Policing Scheme are never undertaken with the intention of recognition, this award give us an excellent opportunity to pause and thank all our staff giving up their time and energy in all walks of volunteer work.
Colleagues just like James are giving up not just working hours but nights and weekends to contribute to their local community, so it is a privilege to be able to do our part to support them in this endeavour.”
Jenny Brouard, Head of the Special Constabulary at Essex Police, said: “Birketts has shown exactly the kind of support and flexibility we like to see from organisations taking part in the Employer Supported Policing Scheme. It is a worthy winner of this award and we would encourage any other businesses interested in the Scheme to take part.”
Grace will accept the award on behalf of Birketts on 8 December 2020, with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington presenting the awards.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at December 2020.