Here at Stowe Family Law, we are proud to share that we have been confirmed as a Best Company to work for in 2022 by Best Companies. This is an important milestone for Stowe, reflecting the progress we continue to make. It also reminds us that the job is never done, and we need to keep listening and improving to remain a place where great colleagues want to work.
Earlier this year we shared the exciting news that we had achieved a two-star rating, recognising that by listening to our employees’ feedback we have made huge strides in making Stowe a great place to work. Last week, Best Companies held their awards night and Stowe was named in the top 100 Large companies to work for in 2022 and the top 10 legal firms – something we’re immensely proud of.
We first took part in Best Companies back in 2019 receiving a ‘one to watch’ rating but more importantly learning from our employees’ on where we needed to make changes and do better. Since then, we have continued to use the information, feedback and data gathered from this anonymous survey to act on the areas that matter to our employees’.
Since our first survey we have:
- Near enough doubled the size of the firm
- Completely revamped our benefits package – https://careers.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/employee-benefits/
- Introduced our Stowe Ways of Working
- Navigated a global pandemic and much, much more.
Morna Bunce, Stowe’s Chief People Officer said:
“I am delighted that, whilst we have been working with Best Companies for several years, this is the first year we have been categorised as large company and so to rank in the Top 100 for the first time is even more special. We are also delighted to be named as a Top 10 law firm ranking amongst some really well known brands in the sector. However, participating in Best Companies is about so much more than the rankings for us. It allows us not only to listen to our colleagues but to use their input to develop and rollout initiatives which we know will have a positive impact on their experience at the firm.”
Fair Deal
This tells us if our employees’ feel rewarded for what they do. It was an area where it was clear we needed to do more, and thanks to the feedback we made some fantastic enhancements and additions to our benefits package over the past few years including:
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Increased pension contributions
- Cycle to work and electric car scheme
- Introduction of pay bandings and changes to the bonus scheme
- Enhanced EAP with discounts via Lifeworks
Wellbeing
We are committed to supporting our employees’ and their well-being, including work-life balance. We have made specific enhancements in this area thanks to the feedback we have received:
- Wellness days
- Paid emergency dependants leave
- Support for working carers through Carers UK
- Menopause support through MyTamarin
- Specific support for pregnancy loss and fertility
Personal Growth
Thanks to our employees’ feedback around supporting their careers, and providing training and development opportunities we have:
- Introduced a new role of Professional Support Lawyer to coordinate the sharing of information, expertise, and best practise across the firm, as well as our monthly Legal Newsletter
- Introduced the roles of Senior Associate and Paralegal to provide improved career pathways
- Developed our MP and Partner training schemes, the Power Up and Elevate schemes
- Introduced a more formal approach to career development through 1-2-1s and quarterly reviews on Bob
- Launched Personal Development Grants
Giving Something Back
The impact Stowe has on the wider community – from charitable giving to environmental to diversity and inclusion. Our employees’ input and involvement have been instrumental in:
- The launch of volunteering leave for all colleagues
- The development of our colleague groups – Sustainable Stowe and DIB (diversity, inclusion and belonging)
- More education and awareness raising through internal and external channels
- Becoming a member of Inclusive Employers and the Legal Sustainability Alliance
- The launch of Stowe Giving Back for colleague-nominated donations to charity
What Next for Stowe?
We’re continually checking in with how our colleagues are doing, what is going well, and where things could be better. We want to better understand how our colleagues are feeling, more deeply than a survey can reveal. We will be hosting some listening groups for colleagues; an opportunity, in small groups to have open and honest discussions and where employees can ask their questions.