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    Our approach to corporate responsibility

Our approach to corporate responsibility

While the law is what we 'do', there is so much more to us than that. As an international law firm operating around the world, we take a hands-on approach to making a positive difference to and through our clients, people, environment, suppliers and local community.

We are navigating our sustainability and responsible business journey through the lens of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and 30+ themes. This means mapping what we do against standards and existing activity, identifying gaps, and prioritising action. By using ESG as a tool to keep us on track, we are constantly reminded that there is always more to be done.

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Our view of ESG infographic transcript

Environment

  • Climate change
    • Carbon emissions
    • Service carbon footprint
    • Climate change vulnerability
  • Natural resources
    • Nature, biodiversity & land use
    • Goods & services sourcing
    • Water stress
  • Pollution
    • Toxic emissions
    • Waste
  • Opportunity
    • Sustainable buildings

Social

  • People
    • People management (resourcing)
    • Wellbeing, health & safety
    • People development (L&D)
    • Supply chain standards
    • Diversity & inclusion
  • Service liability
    • Service quality & client experience
    • Data & cyber security
  • Stakeholder opposition
    • Sector-focused activism
  • Responsible Business/Opportunity
    • Community
    • Pro bono

Governance

  • Decision making
    • Board diversity
    • Risk & assurance
    • Remuneration
    • Responsible finance & tax
    • Authentic disclosure
    • Ownership
  • Corporate behaviour
    • Purpose
    • Culture
    • Business ethics
    • Anti-bribery & corruption
    • Legal & regulatroy compliance
    • Anti-competitive practice

But it doesn't stop there.

To further shape our thinking and approach, we are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and informed by the Sustainable Development Goals. We have adopted five internationally recognised standards and draw on global benchmarks, evolving legislation and moral judgement to ensure our commitment excels beyond compliance.

Our current and upcoming ESG priorities include a focus on:

  • consolidating activity, strategies and programmes;
  • knowledge;
  • governance
  • client experience, engagement and collaboration;
  • global reach;
  • authentic disclosure; and
  • assurance.

In addition, we continue to evolve our long-established programmes including:

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Inclusion for All
  • Wellbeing – mental, physical and financial
  • Community and pro bono – Responsible Business
  • Environment – PLANET+

Want to see how well we're doing so far? Progress with all related activity can be viewed in our publicly available reports.

Diversity, equity & inclusion

We believe in fostering a culture where everyone feels respected, engaged and encouraged to bring their authentic self to work. Find out more about how we meaningfully integrate diversity, equity & inclusion into our business.

Find out more about our work in DE&I
Who we are - DEI - cta

Responsible business

Playing our part in the wider community as a responsible business is a key element of who we are as a firm and as an employer. Our responsible business strategy focuses on two core areas: community and profession skills volunteering.

Find out more about responsible business
Who we are - Corporate Responsibility - cta

Environmental commitment

Our environmental commitment is an integral component of our corporate responsibility, find out how we embrace our environmental duty by implementing eco-friendly practices in our daily operations.

Find out more about our environmental commitment
Who we are - Environmental commitment (UK) cta

Governance

Good governance is about making transparent, accountable, effective, equitable, inclusive, efficient and legal decisions and implementing them. It's good for doing business and also for enabling positive impacts on the planet, people, communities and beyond.

Find out more about governance
Governance - CTA

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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