Environmental commitment and sustainability initiatives
Net zero carbon emissions and energy efficiency
Stephensons is dedicated to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in our carbon reduction plan, which includes detailed calculations for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. A significant step towards this goal is our photovoltaic (PV) system at the Wigan Investment Centre, generating approximately 30% of our energy needs from solar power annually. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering our carbon footprint.
Agile working and waste reduction
Our agile working model allows most of our staff to work remotely for a significant portion of the week, reducing the need for daily commuting and thus decreasing our overall environmental impact. We have calculated that if one person drives 30 miles per day, then that equates to 808 grams of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere per day. Stephensons have circa 240 people now working agile and attending the office two days per week, driving around 30 miles per day on average. This means that by working at home the rest of the time, there has been a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 56.16528tCO2 per year. In addition to operating in a paperlite manner, Stephensons actively recycles a significant proportion of materials, including ink cartridges, toners, batteries, paper/cardboard, IT and phone equipment, and office furniture. These practices not only minimise waste but also promote the responsible use of resources. To demonstrate the impact this has, we have measured that from 1st April 2024 to 30th April 2025 we have recycled, 19282.2kg of paper, this equates to 19.2822 metric tonnes. Each tonne of recycled paper can save 17 trees, this means we have saved 323 trees. Additionally from 1st April 2024 to 30th April 2025 we have recycled, 17094.35kg of plastic, this equates to 0.09435 metric tonnes.
Social responsibility and community engagement
Supporting charities and community organisations
Stephensons has a longstanding tradition of supporting local charities and community organisations. Between April 2023 and April 2024, we contributed over £18,000 to The Brick, a charity dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives. Additionally, we provide time and financial support to a variety of charities, including:
- Wigan & Leigh Hospice: A charity providing care and support to people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses that are no longer curable.
- Wigan Youth Zone: A state-of-the-art youth facility in Wigan offering young people the opportunity to meet new friends, have new experiences, learn new skills, and access the support they need to develop and achieve their potential.
- New Start: A charity that supports the Wythenshawe Hospital heart and lung transplant unit by funding vital equipment, research, and patient care for one of the UK’s leading transplant centres.
- Limbless Association: A national charity supporting and empowering amputees to lead independent and fulfilled lives.
- Cancer Research: A charity that funds world-class research to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, aiming to save lives and bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
- Brake: A charity working to stop road deaths and injuries, support people affected by road crashes, and campaign for safe and healthy mobility for all.
- Atherton & Leigh Foodbank: A local food bank providing essentials to disadvantaged people in the area.
- Day One Trauma Support: A charity that helps people rebuild their lives after major traumatic injury with practical, emotional, and financial support from day one.
- NW Hearts: Greater Manchester’s own heart charity, funding grants and projects that enhance prevention, education, treatment, research, and facilities to improve heart health.
- Lymphoma Action: A charity that supports people affected by lymphoma with trusted information, emotional help, and community connections.
Inclusive employment practices and career development
As a significant employer in the Wigan area, Stephensons is committed to inclusive employment practices. We collaborate with the local authority on projects aimed at employing disadvantaged individuals, including care leavers, in apprenticeship and permanent roles. We have offered apprenticeship for several years. In 2024/2025 we supported 22 colleagues with apprenticeship opportunities across various departments, supporting professional growth and career development. This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality employment opportunities in areas with high deprivation
“The firm has always recruited local people at entry level positions and is a big user of apprenticeship programmes. Staff retention is very good, and many people have long service with the firm” (Lexcel Assessor Report 2024)
Staff volunteering and community involvement
Our staff demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, dedicating nearly 140 hours monthly in voluntary roles such as trustees, coaches, and mentors. This substantial contribution highlights our team’s dedication to giving back and supporting various community initiatives and organisations.
Governance and ethical business practices
Access to legal services and advocacy
At Stephensons, we believe in the fundamental right to legal access as a cornerstone of a cohesive community. Our legal call centre assists approximately 100,000 people annually, providing vital support in areas such as child care, discrimination, and adult social care. Stephensons has a solid track record of providing services to public bodies and other social purpose organisations. But the bedrock of our firm is to provide easily accessible legal services to large numbers of ordinary people, coming to us directly. We are based in the Northwest but we do this on a national basis. We provide services in areas that many other lawyers have withdrawn from, and we change lives for the better by doing so.
Efficiency and responsible resource management
Our governance practices include a centralised administration system that enhances operational efficiency and reduces waste. By embracing paperlite operations and promoting the recycling of materials, we ensure that our resource management practices are aligned with our broader sustainability goals.
Stephensons is committed to creating social value by integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into our daily operations. Through our comprehensive initiatives, we aim to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable society. Our dedication to community support, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance reflects our commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on the world around us.
