Social Value
Our Business
Barton Legal believes in investing in an individual’s potential and encourages all to contribute to the success of each other and the wider community.
The success of our CSR programme is closely entwined with the development of our individual team members and we encourage everyone to get involved. Our commitment to the communities which we serve goes far beyond the approach of just being a better corporate citizen.
Barton Legal is an excellent place to work and our CSR programme has been developed to enable our team actively to participate in making a difference to our community, marketplace and the environment.
Our Community
Since its formation, Barton Legal has consciously measured its impact on the local community and has always endeavoured to enhance it wherever and whenever possible. We actively engage the services of local businesses and contractors and regularly facilitate opportunities for other companies that will be of benefit to them.
We are proud to be supporting the following not for profit organisations:
Mind in Bradford
Mind in Bradford help people who are struggling with emotional and mental health problems across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Around 1 in 4 of us experience a mental health problem at any one time, and Mind in Bradford exists to make sure none of us have to face those problems without support. They offer phone & online support, a safe space to visit in times of crisis and a pathway to recovery at their wellbeing groups. They also have recovery workers ready to listen to adults and young people who are worried about their mental health.
To help and support this organisation, please contact: lisaj@mindinbradford.org.uk
More information about Mind in Bradford can be found on: https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/
Simon On The Streets
Simon on the Streets offer unlimited emotional and practical support for homeless and vulnerable people to enable them to achieve their goals. They offer services on an outreach basis directly on the streets across Leeds, Bradford and Huddesfield for the most vulnerable struggling.
Join the 5 for 5 Partnership with Simon on the Streets and commit to donate £500 per year for 5 years, you can help generate valuable, longer term, sustainable income whilst fulfilling your corporate social responsibility objectives.
To help and support this organisation, please contact: 0113 345 2270
More information about Simon on the Streets can be found on: https://simononthestreets.co.uk/
Living Wage Foundation
Did you know…we are Living Wage employers? We are proud supporters of and advocates for the Living Wage Foundation. The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate that is voluntarily paid by nearly 7,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs; the weekly shop, or a surprise trip to the dentist. As part of our commitment to the Living Wage we are part of the Leeds Action Group.
To become a living wage employer and to find out more about this scheme, please go to: https://www.livingwage.org.uk/
Voluntary and pro-bono work
Barton Legal has been a participant in a number of Leeds school work fairs with a particular focus on our local school, Benton Park.
Our lawyers also undertake pro bono work as part of our community programme and we include this time within our targets for chargeable hours.
Mental Health
Mental health is a serious global issue and the workplace is no exception. One in five people suffer from a mental health disorder at some stage of their lives. The impact of Covid-19 has made it harder to tackle mental health issues as more people are now living in isolation and suffering from loneliness.
Looking after our staff and their mental health is a very important part of the culture we embody and that drives our dynamic team spirit. We endeavour to provide a fully diverse and healthy working environment for our staff and we encourage them to speak up and offer their opinion. We are committed to offering mental health support to our staff by way of counselling and therapy as required.
Sports
Our Commercial Property Director, Trish Barton, was selected as reigning European age group champion to represent GB in the world duathlon champs in Almere (Netherlands) in November (2021). The team was part of British Triathlon, an organisation that works to promote excellence in the sports they cover, and create opportunities for everyone to achieve their personal multi-sport challenges. To no-one’s surprise Trish won.
Trish has taken part in in a number of 1,500km cycle rides from London to Cannes (and one from southern Italy to Cannes) to raise vital funds for the UK’s first ever dedicated children’s charity, Coram, as part of the Broadgate Estates and subsequently Legal and General CYCLE TO MIPIM, which takes place every year.
In 2023, Bill Barton completed the cycling race to MIPIM for the first time. The 1438km ride was tough due to the weather conditions, but he was joined by a wonderful team of 23 riders and 4 captains.
Bill raised money for the vital work Coram does to support and better children’s lives.
Our Marketplace
We believe that the success of Barton Legal is based upon our understanding of our marketplace so that we can provide excellent levels of service. That marketplace requires the highest of professional standards as well as an ethical and honest approach in all our dealings.
Our aim is to work collaboratively with our clients, contacts, fellow professionals and suppliers so that all involved can grow their businesses and operate in a mutually beneficial way.
The Environment
Barton Legal is very conscious of environmental issues, particularly given our work in the construction and commercial property sectors.
Our business strategy actively incorporates green issues and our office refurbishment placed environmental aspects to the fore.
Areas in which we are actively addressing our impact on the environment include business travel, purchasing, premises and working practices. We recycle a range of products used by the business, including paper and toner cartridges, as well as consumable products such as glass, bottles, plastic cups etc. Our aim is to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
