The OIEP's Charter, an initiative developed by the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, encourages organisations to take specific actions to make Oxfordshire a fairer and more inclusive place to work.
The law firm, which employs 110 people in Oxfordshire, joins a growing list of organisations in the county who are signing the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Charter and committing to reducing inequality and making a more sustainable region.
By signing the Charter, Freeths demonstrates its dedication to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The firm recognizes the importance of recruiting talent from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, and their pledges include a commitment to employing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through their pledges, they have also made a commitment to support the local community by sharing skills and expertise with local groups, engaging with nearby businesses, and providing employment opportunities to residents of Oxfordshire.
"We are thrilled to sign the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Charter and align ourselves with its values," said Sarah Foster, Managing Partner at Freeths. "At Freeths, we firmly believe in the power of inclusivity and its ability to drive innovation, creativity, and success. By signing this Charter, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a fair and inclusive workplace, supporting our local community, and making a positive impact on society."
Jeremy Long, Joint Chair of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, said:
“It’s fantastic to have Freeths join the growing list of organisations in Oxfordshire that have signed the Charter and pledged to make Oxfordshire a better place to live and work.
“Everyone has a part to play in creating a thriving inclusive economy in Oxfordshire. Actively supporting inclusivity generates real benefits for organisations, as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors have become increasingly important in the business landscape.
“Signing the Charter demonstrates commitment to social issues and accessing a wider and more diverse talent pool makes employers more attractive to staff and customers, which in turn supports greater growth and efficiency.
“Purchasing from local suppliers, encouraging staff to volunteer in the community and support their own and other’s life-long learning all maximises social value and gives back to the local community”.
Baroness Jan Royall, Joint Chair of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership, said:
“We have been delighted to see how much enthusiasm and goodwill there is for this vital work. At this early stage of the Partnership it is fantastic to see so many organisations and individuals coming forward to work together to make Oxfordshire a more inclusive and equal place.
“One of the benefits of getting involved is that the Partnership represents a broad spectrum of organisations and provides great opportunities for sharing knowledge and experience.
“There is so much to build on, so much to do, and so many people who want to co-operate. I feel very optimistic about the potential to bring about change.”