Pastoral care is reaching the top of the agenda at leading law firms, with different initiatives announced to help staff needing family and financial help.
City firm Fladgate has created its own policy to support employees who are navigating the breakdown of a relationship. The policy, developed by the firm’s family, employment and HR teams, includes educating people on the legal repercussions of separating from a partner, as well as addressing relationship issues such as domestic abuse.
The scheme was led by Rebecca Christie, the chair of Resolution’s domestic abuse committee and senior associate in Fladgate’s family team.
Christie said: ‘As family lawyers, we have seen firsthand how a lack of understanding of this process leaves those involved feeling lost and anxious but also how difficult it sometimes is to explain to those that they are working for the need for flexibility in relation to payment of their salary, picking up children up from school to ensure compliance with a court; or attending a legal conference to discuss case strategy.
‘It is important to draw employees’ attention to the different options available to them to help them navigate separation. For example, different types of mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes which are not only often speedier than the family court process (which is severely back logged) but also private.’
Christie said the policy touches upon raising awareness around the issue of domestic abuse, pointing out there is a misconception that a victim is unlikely to be someone who has a successful career or is an educated professional.
While the policy is tailored to all members of Fladgate, the aim is to encourage other workplaces to do the same and to enable them to introduce a similar policy of their own.
Meanwhile, international firm Simmons & Simmons is offering its 1,000 UK employees access to personalised money coaching and planning.
The firm has joined with advice brand Octopus Money to help staff reduce financial stress and make informed decisions.
More than a quarter of staff have booked time with a money expert within the first two months, and 41% of those eligible have signed up to the full service.
Caroline Turner-Inskip, partner and global head of wellbeing at Simmons & Simmons, said: ‘We understand that financial stress can be particularly prevalent at this time of year. It doesn’t just impact individuals—it affects their ability to be present and productive at work.
‘Partnering with Octopus Money has allowed us to provide meaningful support at a time when our people need it most, whether they’re planning for life’s big moments, finding out what political changes might mean for their money, or simply looking to feel more in control of their finances.’
Octopus Money, which has existing partnerships with law firms Browne Jacobson and Fieldfisher, said financial wellbeing initiatives are increasingly seen as a key differentiator as competition for talent grows.
Anasuya Iyer, chief commercial officer at Octopus Money, added: ‘We regularly hear from professionals in sectors spanning law to financial services who, while extremely organised at advising their clients’ futures, have neglected thinking about their own.’
No comments yet