A&O Belfast recognised as leaders in responsible business practice

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI, recognises A&O Belfast as leaders in responsible business practice. The firm was awarded gold level in CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business in recognition of its commitment to doing business in a way that is better for employees, the planet and the local community. Receiving the award are Pauline Wylie, Communications Manager, and Ciaran McCallion, Head of Human Resources, A&O Belfast.

Belfast – Allen & Overy has been awarded a gold level in the prestigious CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business accreditation in recognition of its commitment to doing business in a way that is better for employees, the planet and the communities where they operate.

CORE: The Standard for Responsible Business, is a framework developed by Business in the Community – the responsible business network – that maps and assesses the corporate responsibility of an organisation.

Accredited companies go through an external verification process that recognises best practice in a number of areas including: Health & Wellbeing; Biodiversity: Diversity & Inclusion; Community Engagement; and Responsible Leadership.

Currently 27 organisations in Northern Ireland hold CORE accreditation.

Ciaran McCallion, Head of Human Resources, said: Responsible business is at the heart of everything we do at A&O and is critical to our success. As a global law firm we are committed to our clients, our people, and wider society. We strive to ensure that all commercial decisions positively impact society in our local jurisdiction, leaving a legacy for future generations.

“We work hard to attract talented, diverse people, and to create an inclusive environment where different ideas, experiences and backgrounds are respected and valued – a culture where everyone feels that they belong, and can excel.

“We recognise the importance of applying our legal and business expertise to make a positive impact locally. In 2022, colleagues recorded 4,900 hours of pro bono and volunteering work and since 2018 our Belfast Grants Committee has distributed almost £250,000 from the A&O Foundation to 30 charities working to increase access to justice, or improve education or employment opportunities in Northern Ireland.”

Kieran Harding, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI, added: “CORE is Northern Ireland’s only standard for responsible business. It plays a key role in supporting businesses to continually improve their responsible business practices, with participating organisations citing it as a key driver for their responsible business activities.

“We are heartened at the wide range of brilliant practices that CORE accredited organisations have implemented. Without a doubt, employees, communities and the Northern Ireland economy have consequently benefited.

“Congratulations to Allen & Overy on this wonderful achievement.”