Simmons & Simmons' motivations for participating in IMS activities:
Like the topics it covers – whether environmental, social or governance-related – CSR is constantly evolving, which is what makes it so interesting. It is not always easy to obtain practical training on key issues, and the activities offered by IMS perfectly meet this need. The diversity of topics covered in the workshops, events and working groups is also to be commended. Added to this is the considerable advantage of meeting people who are driven by the same desire to make progress on these issues, resulting in fruitful exchanges and valuable sharing of best practices.
Simmons & Simmons' Sustainable Development Policy:
As an international law firm, we benefit from numerous initiatives implemented by our London headquarters, including internal networks (Parents & Carers, Race & Ethnicity, LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity or Social Mobility, to name but a few) or training programmes, such as our Stars Skills Academy, whose content – available in multiple formats – covers a variety of topics such as the environment, wellbeing and personal development.
We also roll out these programmes at the local level, for example through our community commitments, which allow each lawyer to devote up to 50 hours to pro bono projects, or through our local wellbeing champions, who are attentive to the wellbeing of all employees.
Simmons & Simmons' Sustainable Development actions and frameworks:
Beyond these initiatives, we are implementing very concrete actions at the office level: eliminating plastic bottles several years ago, raising awareness about food waste, choosing more environmentally friendly cleaning products and cleaning teams, switching to LED lighting, revising contracts with certain service providers, and purchasing second-hand business phones. Some attempts have been less successful – our worm composter, for example, did not survive – but it is essential to persevere, to share our convictions without judgement, and to demonstrate both internally and externally the importance of these actions for a sustainable future.
A person who is aware of a cause, whether environmental or social, becomes a long-term ambassador, which is essential for bringing about change.