Responsible Business Apprentice

Penningtons Manches Cooper are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Responsible Business Assistant with a process driven mindset, great attention to detail and a genuine passion for responsible business.  The role will report into the DEI and CSR manager and Operational Sustainability manager to help coordinate and progress DEI, social impact and environmental projects within a top 50 UK law firm.

In this newly created role, the Responsible Business Assistant will play a crucial part in supporting the firm’s diversity, equity, inclusion, social impact and environmental programmes and initiatives. This role will involve collecting and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to responsible business efforts, supporting internal and external communication of activities, fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and supporting benchmarking and reporting requirements. Additionally, they will help support our internal people networks, including organising training and awareness programmes and events.

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy allowing employees to work from home (or another UK location) for up to 50% of their time. Individuals can also apply for other flexible working options either at the time of recruitment or during the course of their employment. Occasional travel between UK offices will be required for this role.

Apprentices will be working towards an accredited qualification and we will provide a combination of structured training, hands on learning and mentoring to enable progression within the role.

The responsibilities listed below are intended to be a broad but not exhaustive list.

• Support the DEI & CSR manager and operational sustainability manager in developing and implementing strategies to promote ethical business practices and processes, following best practice and ensuring a responsible and inclusive work environment.
• Manage and support key initiatives relating to employee networks, internal communications and learning.
• Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of programmes including EMpower, Limitless, scholarship students and alike.
• Organise and set up events such as panels and guest speaker sessions.
• Responsible for day to day management and analysis of DE&I & environmental data including; DE&I data dashboards, pro bono activities, core emissions, travel carbon budgets, and supply chain risk management.
• Support with award and index submissions by compiling and organising information.
• Act as a point of contact for external relationships and partnerships.
• Assist in drafting tenders, RFPs, pitch toolkits, and other client requests.
• Build relationships with key internal stakeholders, including the HR, Marketing and Operations teams.
• General administrative duties including minute taking, drafting documents, organising lunches, payment of invoices etc.

• A minimum of 3 A levels grade C or above, coupled with good GCSEs grade C or above to include English and Maths (or equivalent qualifications)
• Service orientated with a positive attitude and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Advanced IT skills with the ability to analyse, organise and present data.
• Highly organised and enjoys a high-paced and dynamic working environment.
• Ability to deliver under pressure within tight deadlines, whilst maintaining high attention to detail at all times.
• Demonstrates a clear ability to manage and prioritise a complex and changing work-load from a number of different sources.
• A curious mindset that will challenge processes and suggest improvements.
• Ability to collaborate and have a strong team orientation.
• Be genuinely passionate about responsible business and progressing the firm’s programmes and impact by being proactive and driving things forward.
• High level of discretion, diplomacy and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Helen.Lewis@penningtonslaw.com