Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility at Berry Smith Solicitors

Supporting our People, Community & Environment

At Berry Smith Solicitors, our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is central to who we are. We’re dedicated to making a positive impact through environmental sustainability, charity fundraising, and staff wellbeing initiatives that support both our team and the wider community.

Berry Smith takes its responsibility to its employees, clients, local and wider community and the environment seriously.

Promoting a Greener Workplace

We’re continually working to reduce our environmental impact and encourage sustainable habits across the firm. Recent projects include:

  • Free Seed Giveaway – inspiring staff to grow plants at home and contribute to greener living.
  • Berry Smith Green Week – a series of events focused on environmental awareness, sustainability tips, and eco-friendly practices.

These initiatives form part of our long-term commitment to responsible, environmentally conscious working.

We are a member of the Legal Sustainability Alliance which actively promotes environmental sustainability throughout the sector

Our Environmental Policy Statement may be found HERE.

Charity of the Year & Community Fundraising

Making a Difference Together

Each year, Berry Smith selects a Charity of the Year and raises funds through firm-wide events and activities.

Our current charity partner is Big Moose, and previous supported charities include:

  • Wales Air Ambulance
  • Velindre Cancer Centre
  • Maggie’s

Our team regularly gets involved in a variety of fundraising events, such as:

  • Running the Cardiff Half Marathon
  • Our popular annual charity quiz
  • Office cake sales
  • The Halloween charity raffle
  • The Ladies’ Lunch at Llanerch Vineyard

Every winter, we also organise Christmas food bank donations for local families, helping support those in need during the festive season.

Staff Wellbeing & Mental Health Support

Creating a Healthy, Supportive Workplace

The wellbeing of our people is a key priority. We’re committed to fostering a supportive and healthy working environment through:

  • Qualified Mental Health First Aiders available across the firm
  • Wellbeing workshops, including:
    • A hormonal health workshop delivered by Sarah Carter
    • A nutrition and wellbeing session from Cardiff Nutrition

These initiatives form part of our wider programme to promote workplace wellbeing, mental health awareness, and a positive firm culture.

Mental Health First Aiders

We are proud to announce we have set up a team of Mental Health First Aiders to provide support to any colleagues who may be experiencing poor mental health or emotional distress. Following a recommendation by our CSR Committee, whose remit includes the wellbeing of employees, the team have undertaken certified training through St John Ambulance Cymru. This training enables them to recognise the signs that a colleague may be experiencing a mental health crisis and offer initial support and guidance.

The training promotes a five-step action plan where the Mental Health First Aiders can:

  • Act as a point of contact to reassure colleagues experiencing a mental health issue
  • Listen and communicate non-judgementally
  • Give emotional support and hope for recovery
  • Signpost colleagues to professional help
  • Encourage other forms of help and support including self-help strategies

Since the pandemic there has been a greater focus on mental health, we recognise that providing support to colleagues in this area is just an important as physical first aid. We are keen to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and by introducing Mental Health First Aiders we hope to change attitudes by encouraging colleagues to have open and positive discussions about their mental health and wellbeing.

Jane Emery, Practice Manager at Berry Smith LLP said: ‘I know how important it is to create a safe and supportive work environment and increasing awareness of positive mental health is key to this. By introducing Mental Health First Aiders we can provide a means of support to our colleagues and point them in the right direction for accessing appropriate services, which will make a real difference to their health and wellbeing.”

What Our Clients Say