Over the past year, Tees has strengthened its commitment to responsible business. Being named Responsible Employer of the Year 2025 recognised our focus on purpose, people and progress. From ESG governance and community investment to sustainable growth, we continue to put responsibility at the heart of how we work. These achievements reflect a shared effort across the firm. They show how we are building a responsible business that delivers impact today and prepares for the future.
Our ESG strategy focuses on three core pillars: people, place and planet, supported by strong governance. This framework helps us prioritise actions, measure impact and remain accountable.
We are members of UKSIF, the Legal Sustainability Alliance and BEBA, supporting action on sustainable finance, climate responsibility and ethical business practices.
We continue to invest in our people through wellbeing initiatives, learning and development, and inclusive employment practices.
Key highlights:
6,747 training courses completed
84% engagement survey participation, with 74% rating Tees as a favourable place to work
£99,086 saved by colleagues through PerkBox
179 attendees across wellbeing webinars
1,805 miles walked during Mental Health Awareness Week
We remain committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The SRA Diversity Charter survey saw a 75% response rate, with 81% female respondents and 10% identifying as part of ethnic minority groups.
Our vacation schemes and training contracts provide hands-on experience and long-term career pathways. Since 2024, nine trainees have qualified and remained with the firm, with seven more currently in training.
Our legal expertise helps drive positive outcomes beyond individual cases. This includes securing over £22m in compensation for clients affected by negligent medical care, supporting renewable energy projects, and providing pro bono advice to community initiatives such as Cambridge’s first indoor skatepark.
We support local communities through volunteering, fundraising, pro bono legal work and targeted grant funding.
Community impact highlights:
1,506 hours of pro bono legal work
1,848 volunteer hours on Giving Back Days
£47,478.56 raised through fundraising and donations
£20,000 awarded through the Tees Better Future Fund
We work with charities, schools, universities and community organisations to improve access to justice, education, health and wellbeing.
We are working towards carbon neutrality by 2040 and support the UK’s net zero ambitions through energy efficiency and renewable sourcing.
Environmental highlights
76% of electricity sourced from renewable energy
10 tCO₂e reduction in total carbon footprint year on year
Participation in ESOS energy efficiency reporting
We advise clients on renewable energy and biodiversity net gain projects, combining environmental improvement with long-term commercial value. Between April 2023 and December 2024, our work generated over £10m in biodiversity value and enhanced more than 220 acres of land.
Strong governance underpins our responsible business approach. We:
Comply with SRA and FCA regulatory standards.
Maintain robust data protection and privacy controls.
Take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption.
Report transparently on ESG performance and risks.
Our ESG Board, chaired by non-executive director David Stead, provides oversight and direction, ensuring ESG priorities are embedded across the firm.
Responsible business is central to our long-term success. We will continue to invest in our people, support our communities and reduce our environmental impact, while maintaining the highest standards of governance and transparency.
For more information about our ESG approach or to discuss how we can support your organisation, please get in touch.
