We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of the communities in which our staff live. In 2018 we established our grant making charity Ashfords Foundation, to bring together all of Ashfords’ charitable giving and build a sense of common purpose among our people.
With larger national charities receiving the vast majority of charitable donations in the UK, the Foundation has been set up to have real impact in the community by focusing on smaller charities that often struggle to raise vital funds. So far, the Foundation has donated over £50,000 since its inception with aspirations to donate over £1m to deserving causes by 2024.
We have a wide variety of options to deliver social value.
In September 2016, we introduced the CILEx "Legal and Support Apprenticeship" programme across the firm specifically targeted to attract those not pursuing the university route and designed to lead to a career as a CILEx lawyer, Paralegal or other legal or business support practitioner.
Find out moreWe run an established "Aspire" programme for Year 10 students, in conjunction with schools and colleges, which offers students the chance to work for a week at our Exeter office. We are very keen to offer an insight into the variety of opportunities a career in the law can offer, irrespective of background.
Find out moreWe informally host "Return to Work" days for those looking to return to work - either from long term illness, repatriation, parental leave - or those wishing to consider a career change. "Return to Work" is aimed at giving individuals a "real-world" experience of being a part of one of our dynamic teams for the day.
A vital part of our CSR programme is ensuring we encourage community growth, inclusion, contribution and development.
Find out moreWe hold skill-sharing sessions with schools throughout the year. For example the Ashfords Employment Team held an "Introduction to Employment Law" workshop for year nine students at Heathfield Community School in Taunton. Students witnessed a mock employment tribunal and a few days later, were given the task of acting out the tribunal case.
Find out more
