Corporate Social Responsibility

BCL has an established Corporate Social Responsibility programme which is a key part of our business strategy. The aim of the programme is to assist in providing a positive working environment for our staff by helping our local and the wider legal communities.

Charity of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Not Beyond Redemption has been selected as our Charity of the Year for 2025.

Not Beyond Redemption is a groundbreaking charity dedicated to supporting mothers in the criminal justice system. By providing tailored resources, advocacy, and pathways for rehabilitation, they empower women to rebuild their lives and nurture their families. Their work highlights the vital connection between rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of reoffending, ensuring a brighter future for mothers and their children.

"At BCL, we believe in giving back to the community and aligning with causes that resonate with our values. Not Beyond Redemption is making a tangible difference in the lives of women and families, and we are excited to support their mission through fundraising, volunteering, and awareness campaigns," said Richard Sallybanks, Managing Partner.

Throughout 2025, BCL will organise a series of initiatives to support Not Beyond Redemption, including fundraising events and staff volunteering opportunities to amplify their message. Together, we aim to contribute to a world where rehabilitation leads to true redemption and brighter futures for all.

To find out more about the work Not Beyond Redemption do, please visit their website: https://notbeyondredemption.co.uk/

Charity

As a central part of our programme, the firm donates a percentage of its annual turnover to charitable causes. Through these donations, we support charities based in or serving our local community and those who work in the legal sector.

The charities we support are nominated by members of the firm and over the last few years have included:

The firm also encourages all staff to participate in fundraising and supports those who are taking part in sporting challenges and other charitable activities. We hold annual Macmillan coffee mornings and Comic/Sport Relief bake-offs.

Justice

Many of our legal professionals participate in projects giving pro bono advice. In particular, we are involved in Amicus (www.amicus-alj.org). Amicus assists lawyers and legal charities in the US who represent those on death row, as well as some individuals who are without representation, in the preparation of cases for appeal against conviction and/or sentence.

We also provide ad hoc pro bono advice.

Environmental Impact

We have increased our recycling, introduced low-voltage lighting, and try to ensure that any old (but functioning) IT equipment is donated to local charities and schools. We also provide second-hand legal textbooks to the International Law Book Facility, which distributes them to not-for-profit organisations in need.

Employer Supported Volunteering Policy

Volunteering gives people the opportunity to gain fulfilment by working on issues they feel passionate about, and it can also help build connections with our local communities.

Community and voluntary sector organisations often have low budgets and greatly value enthusiastic volunteers with specialist skills, expertise and knowledge. Life can be hectic and it is not always easy to take time away from our busy work, personal, and family lives.

To demonstrate BCL’s commitment to volunteering, 1 day’s paid ‘Employer Supported Volunteering Day’ per annum is available to all staff and partners in addition to their normal annual leave. Participation is encouraged to support local causes, take part in team challenges to support our chosen charities, or to support one off events in the community.