A force for good: How Pinsent Masons’ partnership with 2023 Working Families Index will benefit business practices and beyond

Published: 26 Apr 2023

The responsible business case

Responsible business is firmly on the agenda. For many, it has become what underpins a business’ entire approach, and with good reason. Businesses are finding that both workforce and customer expectations have become more socially conscious, and there is a real risk to credibility for those who choose to ignore this. Not only is a focus on creating a better, more sustainable future for all a moral obligation for employees, investors and customers, but it is also proven to create more robust businesses. The CIPD reported it was those more human-centred organisations that weathered the storm of COVID-19 more effectively.

Finding the right fit

As a law firm, Pinsent Masons take its ethical responsibilities seriously. Its purpose-led strategy to make business better for people means that sustainable business practices are front and centre. Its desire to seek out diversity of thought and collaborate responsibly put the firm on a path to finding a partner and project that chimed with its values. As an organisation that has been in the top 10 Working Families Benchmark for the last 6 years, Pinsent Masons already knew there was an alignment of values with Working Families and wanted to explore deepening the relationship beyond membership. With Pinsent Masons’ determination to listen, promote genuine change in response to the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the Working Families Index, which this year focuses on the experience of low-income families, was the perfect match. Commenting on the partnership, Mike Harvey, Head of Responsible Business at Pinsent Masons, said:

“As a business, we were looking for a project that allowed us to support the local community with the challenging financial climate, and this research gave the opportunity to create a lasting impact for those most affected by this. Having worked with Working Families over several years, and following the yearly index reports, it seemed a natural fit.”

A positive force

Not only does the partnership further confirm Pinsent Masons’ commitment to finding better ways to support working families, but it also signals its commitment to achieving a more equitable society. It is a partnership that provides an opportunity to move beyond doing the right thing to being a genuinely positive force. By highlighting the challenges many low-income families face, the research strives to have a far-reaching impact, meaning the project could have a legacy of change. Mike Harvey said:

“We hope that the findings lead to change and better support for the families in the UK that are struggling most with the financial climate and can influence government policy such that family-friendly policies are firmly on the agenda to better support families and carers in the UK.”

Business benefits

As any reputable and responsible business is aware, survival depends on putting people first. The partnership forged with Working Families isn’t just responsible business, it’s beneficial in helping create a fairer, more compassionate workplace. By joining the project from the start and being involved at all stages of the journey, Pinsent Masons is invested in the outcomes. As well as positively influencing the wider society, Pinsent Masons is becoming part of the solution by driving forward the call to government to enact change for lower income families in the UK.