International law firm Ashurst has launched a new global platform to support working parents among its 3,200 worldwide staff, as well as those planning to have a family or returning from parental leave.
The new Stay in Touch platform, provided by Circle In, was launched globally in March 2019 across all of Ashurst’s operating regions. It provides access to articles and online coaching around parental leave, case studies and interviews with existing working parents within Ashurst, firm development updates for those on leave, and partner, manager and employee toolkits, with email notifications regarding key dates and milestones.
Paul Jenkins (pictured), global managing partner at Ashurst, said: “Ashurst is thrilled to be launching Stay in Touch and to be both the first global and the first professional services firm to offer this valuable resource to our staff.
“Ashurst’s vision is to create the best place to work for our people and to be the most progressive global law firm, and ensuring our workplace is diverse and inclusive is key to that. Working parents make up a large proportion of our firm so it is vital they are supported to develop and thrive here at Ashurst.”
Although the new platform is being provided globally, the content and resources are tailored to provide local information for each jurisdiction.
Stay in Touch will operate alongside current firm-wide provisions that include parental leave coaching, a Family Matters employee network and the organisation’s smarter working policy.
The global platform was communicated to employees via email, while a dedicated page on the global staff intranet provides further information and links to the platform.
Caroline Rawes, chief people officer at Ashurst, added: “Stay in Touch will provide an important link to ensure that all parents who are considering, on or returning from parental leave are able to easily stay connected to the firm, and feel confident and supported when they return to work.”
