Debenhams Ottaway recognised for its corporate social responsibility

Debenhams Ottaway, one of Hertfordshire’s leading law firms, has been recognised for its corporate social responsibility (CSR). Shortlisted for the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Community Business awards, Debenhams Ottaway is known for its involvement in the local community, support of local charities and commitment to looking after its clients and being a great place to work.

The success of CSR at Debenhams Ottaway is in part due to the involvement of everyone at the firm, including choosing which charity to support.  Youth Talk, a St Albans based charity, offers counselling sessions and a safe place for young, vulnerable people to talk and get support from qualified therapists. The team at Debenhams Ottaway have already raised £2,000 for Youth Talk and helped increase awareness. So far the activities have included raffles, a Christmas Jumper Day and a Health and Wellbeing week, in line with World Mental Health Day. Whilst raising funds is important, Debenhams Ottaway take a much more holistic approach, ranging from putting the charity in touch with its own suppliers and contacts to providing space for their meetings and advising the team.

David Barker, Chief Executive of Youth Talk said “Our relationship with Debenhams Ottaway is one that we are tremendously proud of. Their commitment to our cause and the way in which they have really nurtured and developed the relationship with us and their staff has been second to none.  Their approach to CSR is a text book example of how to do it – long may it continue”.

Managing Partner, Susan Glenholme comments: “We are exceptionally proud to have been nominated a finalist for the CSR award for the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. As one of the largest law firms in Hertfordshire, we strongly believe in supporting our community”.

The winners of the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Community Business Awards 2019 will be announced at a ceremony at the Mercure St Albans Noke Hotel on Thursday 10 October 2019.