Herbert Smith Freehills retains top 10 ranking for social mobility

Herbert Smith Freehills has today been ranked 7th in the annual Social Mobility Employer Index.

Published by the Social Mobility Foundation, the Index ranks employers across the UK according to the strategy they develop to create career opportunities for indviduals from all socio-economic backgrounds. It also scores organisations for the manner and extent to which they bring their strategy to life.

To secure a third consecutive top 10 ranking, Herbert Smith Freehills was assessed for the way in which the firm works with young people and the variety of routes it offers for employment within the firm. Assessment also centred on the firm's recruitment programme, selection process and the ease with which applicants can submit their candidacy.

The purpose of the Index is to create a better understanding of steps that UK organisations need to take to ensure opportunities are open to talent from all social backgrounds. This year Herbert Smith Freehills was recognised for the way in which its social mobility programmes aim to address disparities in educational attainment, provide meaningful experiences of work and offer professional development and skills training.

The firm was also noted for the way in which it partners with clients to help bring social mobility programmes to life, with activities including client volunteers joining online workshops, hosting insight days at their premises or working with young people on pitching projects.

Highlights of the firm's broad social mobility programmes which have helped ensure a consistently high placement in the Index include supporting over 450 students through work experience and employability programmes and working in partnership with organisations including RARE, PRIME, City Solicitors Horizons, The Prince's Trust Achieve Programme and Sussex University First Generation Scheme.

Alison Brown, executive partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, says: "How we create and nurture an environment where everyone can develop their full potential is core to our strategy. To be recognised for our determination and progress building a culture of inclusion and collaboration is immensely rewarding – but for us the journey does not end here. As with many firms in the sector, there is still much to be done, so recognition will ensure we redouble our efforts, ensuring that our commitments and our partnerships continue to build steps on the pathway to greater social mobility in the workplace."