What actually is ‘culture’ and what does it really mean to the employees of your business? Culture can often simply mean ‘working environment’. Taking good care of this fundamental aspect is critical to your firms future success and prosperity. In this article we delve into the importance of culture within law firms and introduce our new compliance culture services partnership.
The importance of compliance culture
In the past ‘culture’ was perhaps seen as a ‘nice to’ task, but behind areas such as fee-earning or cost management. However, nearly all business leaders now accept that caring for your teams wellbeing, and creating and maintaining a supportive and safe environment in which they work, is no longer an optional extra but vital to prosperity.
In fact, Law Care reported on 30 January 2024 that they’d received a 14% increase in the number of people reaching out for mental health support in 2023, and there’s been a massive 95% increase in the number of people saying that workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination was their primary reason for seeking support from Law Care.
What the regulators say about compliance culture
The SRA introduced ‘fair treatment rules’ into its Code of Conduct in 2023 which apply to all SRA-registered lawyers working at law firms. The requirements state that “You treat colleagues fairly and with respect. You do not bully or harass them or discriminate unfairly against them. If you are a manager (such as a partner or director) you challenge behaviour that does not meet this standard’’.
The SRA is recommending that all senior leaders and managers are aware of the steps they must take as individuals to challenge behaviour that doesn’t comply with the new rules.
Teal’s new compliance culture services partnership
As well as ensuring such a damaging and toxic environment doesn’t exist, how can we further test and measure the true culture we have in our workplace?
At Teal we have always believed culture to be the bedrock of sound firm management and compliance. That’s why it’s the biggest, first, and most vital cog in our six Cs of compliance. Without a good culture, the others ‘Cs’ simply won’t work. It’s the foundation from which thriving firms are possible.
That’s why Teal is delighted to be launching its partnership with Gemma Ellison and the team at Heart Leadership.
Gemma said “I started Heart Leadership after spending 15 years in legal practice and so it is a profession I understand and deeply care about. I am committed to helping organisations create healthy and inspiring working environments, which I know, in turn, leads to enhanced wellbeing and higher performing teams. Often, as we move through the ranks of our industry, we are rarely told to fully consider culture and the fundamental impact it has on the working environment of our people. I want to help change that.”
Teal’s new compliance culture services
Initially we’ll offer two core products to our law firm partners. Each has a full, or fuller option.
1. Training Workshop
We’re delighted to be able to offer a half-day or full day training workshop based around how best to implement the new SRA fair treatment rules.
2. Culture Audit
We’re also delighted to offer the Heart Leadership ‘culture audit’ which can be tailored to a three or five-day programme to suit your firm.
Get in touch
Never has it been more important to understand your firm’s culture and to understand what actions can be taken to improve whatever situation you have.
Teal is committed to help embed compliance culture within all law firms which is why we’re so thrilled to be offering these services through our new partnership.
Should you wish to find out more about these services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
