A national network with local impact

One of Shoosmiths’ greatest strengths is our agile network of offices, which gives us a unique ability to reach into diverse communities across the UK.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we, like many others, have moved to majority-remote working in a very short space of time. However, given our already agile culture, we were able to move quickly to effectively transition many colleagues into a new working environment whilst ensuring continued quality of client experience.

In a period of unprecedented organisational – and personal – changes, we have also been able to utilise our geographical coverage to serve our communities as much as our colleagues and clients. Shoosmiths has always had close relationships within local communities, and now more than ever,  we recognise the significance of our role in supporting those that are most vulnerable, and those who care for them. As a responsible business, we must leverage our national network to direct time and resources to where they are needed.

There can’t be a one-size fits all response to this pandemic, but there can be a consistent approach:

• We are responding to local requests from charities and community organisations across the UK; volunteering time, making equipment and food donations, financially, and offering other ‘in-kind’ contributions.
• We remain absolutely committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing, and will seek to share best practice through our internal and external networks.
• We are reviewing our pro bono work to make sure we reach those who, in these challenging times, would otherwise struggle to access the advice they need, and we are future-proofing our practice by developing new ideas for facilitating projects online.
• We are complementing local responsiveness with active participation in UK-wide networks such as Business in the Community, United Nations Global Compact UK Network, and the C-19 Pledge (an extension of the Social Mobility Pledge which we are already signatories of). We know that the national recovery effort cannot be achieved without collective focus and collaboration, so by working with such organisations we are at the forefront of the national business response and can quickly respond with those areas where we have something to offer.