Shepherd and Wedderburn achieves second Investors in People accreditation

22 April 2015

Shepherd and Wedderburn achieves second Investors in People accreditation

UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn has attained Investors in Young People accreditation, the only people management standard that focuses on an employer’s recruitment and retention of young people. The firm is already Investors in People (IIP) accredited.

Carole Ritchie, HR Director, Shepherd and Wedderburn said:

“We are delighted to have received this accreditation as we see young people as immensely important to the future of our business.  This award acknowledges our investment in developing their skills and helping them to develop in their chosen specialist areas, whether in legal or non-legal disciplines.”

Assessment of the firm’s suitability to receive this award took place last month, and involved  face-to-face and telephone interviews and discussions with a sample of Shepherd and Wedderburn legal  and non-legal staff aged 28 years and under.  Issues explored included training and professional development opportunities.  A review of the efficacy of the firm’s mechanisms for attracting and recruiting  young staff was also conducted. This looked at participation in recruitment fairs, website information, and, importantly, beyond the offer of employment, the whole process of welcoming new people to the firm and managing their induction, training and development thereafter.

Investors in People assessor, Maria Baxter commented: “…whilst you work behind the scenes to encourage people to understand brand values and to recognise how they can and do act as an ‘ambassador’, I was left in no doubt that people feel proud to work for the firm and when asked, confirmed they would recommend Shepherd and Wedderburn to others as it is viewed as a great place to work.

“This award represents a true commitment to the training and development of young people and demonstrates Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP as an employer of choice for young people.”

Notes:

  • The Investors in Young People accreditation scheme applies to  employers with staff under the age of 24 years (under 28 if retained following training). Of Shepherd and Wedderburn’s staff and partners, approximately 23 per cent are under the age of 28 years.
  • The firm was awarded Investors in People accreditation in September 2014.
  • Investors in People is a management framework for high performance through people. Its prestigious accreditation is recognised across the world as a mark of excellence.
  • More information can be found at: www.investorsinpeople.co.uk