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RPC Wins 'Responsible Business of the Year' at Women & Diversity in Law Awards

Published on 15 March 2024

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised as 'Responsible Business of the Year' at the Women & Diversity in Law Awards.

A recognition that underscores the firm's unwavering commitment to responsible business practices and its significant contributions to sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).

In 2021 RPC embarked on a journey to place Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the heart of its four-year strategy. Today, the firm celebrates this milestone achievement as it continues to progress towards making responsible business practices an intrinsic part of its identity by 2025, permeating every aspect of its operations and culture.

"At RPC, being a responsible business isn't just a strategic priority – it's who we are. It's about embracing diversity, fostering an inclusive culture, and working ethically and sustainably to achieve positive outcomes for our people and clients," said Rachel Pears, Head of Responsible Business at RPC.

RPC's Responsible Business Programme has played a pivotal role in driving the firm's sustainability efforts and fulfilling its commitments to future generations. Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), RPC's programme focuses on environmental stewardship, DE&I, health and wellbeing, charity, pro bono, as well as ethics and governance.

The firm's remarkable achievements in responsible business over the past year include:

  • Attaining the silver award in the 2022 EcoVadis sustainability rating, placing RPC in the top 25% of employers for sustainability.
  • Becoming the first company to achieve official partnership status with the UOcean project, dedicated to removing a billion kilos of plastic from the ocean by 2030.
  • Receiving accolades in diversity and inclusion, including recognition as a top 25 law firm in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and a top 75 employer in the Social Mobility Index.
  • Achieving gender diversity goals, with 30% female representation at Partnership level.

This success can be attributed to the dedication of RPC's Responsible Business Team, which has navigated multiple stakeholders and priorities to ensure that the firm upholds its commitment to responsible business practices. The establishment of an ESG Advisory group, comprised of senior leaders across the firm, underscores RPC's commitment to governance and accountability in this area.

"We are immensely proud of this recognition, which reflects our collective efforts to embed responsible business practices into the fabric of our organisation. As we look ahead, we remain committed to driving positive change and making a lasting impact in our communities and beyond," added Pears.