1.1 Energy Efficiency and Resource Conservation

• Professional Training is committed to adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices among our remote team members.
• We actively promote responsible resource management, including water and raw materials, in the context of remote work.

1.2 Waste Reduction and Recycling

• We encourage remote employees to minimise waste generation, practice responsible disposal, and promote recycling in their respective locations.

1.3 Sustainable Procurement

• Professional Training will prioritise sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services in procurement processes.
• We will collaborate with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable business practices.

1.4 Carbon Footprint Reduction

• Professional Training will explore and implement measures to reduce the carbon footprint associated with our work, including promoting virtual training sessions, remote work, and eco-friendly transportation options where applicable.

We are achieving this by:

• Working remotely removing the need for daily travel and the additional environmental impact that an office brings.
• Educating employees about sustainability, encouraging them to practise sustainable behaviours at home in their remote locations including energy saving and being as paper free as possible.
• Working with suppliers who have similar environmental and sustainability values and objectives.
• Reducing the number of face to face internal team meetings we have in favour of virtual meetings reducing the amount of travel required.
• Reducing the number of whole team face to face meetings from two to one a year, reducing the amount of travel required for all associates and internal team.
• Encouraging our employees to use the most environmental friendly method of travel when attending meetings, if walking is not an option.
• Offering virtual courses where appropriate meaning delegates can attend online and not travel to a location, and our associates can deliver from their homes.
• Encouraging associates to use the most eco-friendly travel method when delivering a face to face course is delivered.
• Taking location and distance to travel into account when selecting associates to deliver training face to face.
• Encouraging clients/delegates to use electronic devices where possible to access workbooks during sessions to reduce the need for printing and paper.

2.1 Inclusivity and Diversity

• We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity among team members.
• Our training programmes will continue to promote equal opportunities and accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of geographical location.

2.2 Participant Well-being and Development

• Professional Training is committed to providing training programmes that prioritise the safety, well-being, and professional development of our participants.
• We will actively seek feedback from participants and clients to enhance the overall training experience.

2.3 Community Engagement

• We will explore opportunities to engage and support the communities in which our remote team members reside.
• Professional Training encourages trainers and staff to contribute their time and expertise to community projects.

2.4 Philanthropy and Social Contributions

• Allocate resources to philanthropic efforts related to education, skill development, and community empowerment.
• Encourage trainers and staff to participate in voluntary activities that contribute to social well-being.

We are achieving this by:

• Supporting all our employees and putting measures in place to ensure our working practices and environment are inclusive.
• Offering virtual delivery options across a number of platforms to ensure inclusivity of those unable to attend an office environment for reasons including mental health issues, location, personal commitments.
• Actively requesting feedback from delegates and key contacts after each course, acting on any comments.
• Having benchmarking and continuous learning processes in place to ensure the training we deliver is having the required impact.
• Offering a generous holiday entitlement and flexible working policy allowing employees time to volunteer for causes relevant to them. Recent examples include:
  • Committee member of local pre-school managing the governance of the pre-school and organising fundraising events and activities.
  • Supporting a local organisation’s fundraising initiative by organising a silent auction raising over £1500 to fund places on a holiday camp for low income children.
  • Volunteering at the local school during forest school sessions.
  • Acting as parent rep for children’s classes at school.
  • Volunteering for the local Girl Guiding groups.
• Nadine Stanton, Founder and CEO, volunteering her time for various industry events to support the legal community as well as delivering complimentary webinars on behalf of Professional Training. Examples include:
  • Speaker at The Law Society’s Future of Work Conference to support lawyers at the start of their careers.
  • Awards judge and panellist at LawNet’s annual conference.
  • Guest speaker at the Law Society’s Presidential visit to Manchester to champion law in the regions.
  • Regular speaker for Manchester Training Solicitors Group, Manchester Young Solicitors Group, and the Junior Law Division.
  • Previous speaker for Women in Law and Women in Property.
  • Delivered free sessions to junior lawyers all over the world to help alleviate social isolation and anxiety during lockdown.
  • Supported lawyers across the US via Estrin Legal for networking and encouraging collaboration.
• Professional Training sponsoring various initiatives within local communities and supporting colleagues in the legal community with their activities. Examples include:
  • Lead sponsor of grass roots football team, Irlam.
  • Donations to mental health and cancer charities for fundraising initiatives.

3.1 Ethical Business Practices

• Professional Training is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all business activities.
• We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and promote ethical conduct among our trainers and staff.

3.2 Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Maintain open and transparent communication with stakeholders, including participants, trainers, clients and the public.
• Actively seek and consider feedback from stakeholders to improve our ESG practices.
• Support our clients ESG objectives and practices through effective communication.

3.3 Compliance and Legal Obligations

• Professional Training will adhere to all relevant ESG-related laws, regulations, and international standards, considering the global nature of our work.
• Periodically review policies to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving ESG standards.

3.4 Continuous Improvement

• Regularly review and update our ESG policies and initiatives to incorporate emerging best practices in the context of our work.
• Strive for continuous improvement in our environmental, social, and governance practices, embracing the unique challenges and opportunities of operations.

We are achieving this by:

• Maintaining open and transparent communication with our internal team and freelancers to ensure they are following our ESG policy and take feedback on how we could be improving.
• Encouraging communication with our clients to support them in achieving their objectives wherever possible.
• Being aware of all relevant ESG-related laws, regulations, and international standards that impact our work and ensuring we remain informed of changes that affect us.
• Reviewing of policies takes place on an annual basis (or sooner if required).

4.1 Measurement and Reporting

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of our ESG initiatives in our context.
• Regularly prepare and share virtual reports communicating progress, achievements, and areas for improvement.

4.2 Accountability

• Demonstrate accountability and transparency in our ESG endeavours by regularly reviewing and disclosing our performance against established goals.

5.1 Regular Review

• This ESG Policy will be subject to periodic review to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
• Professional Training is dedicated to upholding the principles outlined in this policy, fostering a sustainable and socially responsible work environment.