Environmental, Social & Governance Programme

Offices, communities, countries, regions – everywhere that we call home, you will find us working hard to be positive and impactful citizens, colleagues and neighbours.

A professional person is having a conversation regarding the environment with a blurred tree background.

Doing good. Doing well.

60 years of building our business, client base, expertise and reach has taught us that responsible behaviours are directly linked to commercial success. Fair and principled policies, good governance, engagement with our communities, a focus on sustainability, an inclusive approach to who we work with and a supportive, caring environment have always been part of the Walkers way of working. And by continuing to focus on the needs of our people, society and the planet, we believe that we will continue to thrive. That’s why we are always ready to be measured by a clear set of guiding principles - our code of conduct and corporate responsibility north star.

Sound practices and governance

Good behaviours matter – we aim for the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all of our business practices.

Environmental sustainability

The environment is everyone’s responsibility – that’s why we focus on practices that minimise the firm’s environmental impact and support sustainability.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

By continuing to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the places we call home, we are better placed to serve our clients, make better business decisions and build a sustainable business.

Education and community engagement

By making positive contributions to the communities where we operate with educational initiatives and pro bono support, we nurture talent and secure our place in the world.

Client and employee wellness

We believe that everyone who chooses Walkers – clients and employees alike – deserves transparency, fairness and a focus on their health, well-being and personal success.

Corporate philanthropy

Structured support leads to sustainable results – that’s why we created the Walkers Foundation to channel aid towards the charities and non-profits making a positive difference in our communities.

What does doing good and doing well for our firm mean?

Maintaining an up-to-date code of conduct

This outlines the standards we expect from ourselves, others and the business practices you can expect from Walkers.

Delivering effective compliance programmes

Across multiple regions and risks, we ensure our adherence to legal and regulatory requirements by implementing and maintaining robust compliance and risk management programmes and training.

Ensuring transparency in business operations

From decision making to processes and reporting – we are clear and transparent.

Implementing a robust whistleblowing policy

Clear and consistent procedures protect employees from any retaliation if they report an issue that concerns them.

Taking responsibility for suppliers and vendors' behaviours

Reviewing onboarding process to ensure vendors are compliant, conflicts are managed and all types of slavery, forced labour and human trafficking are avoided.

ISO 27001 certification

Maintaining our certification to the International Organization for Standardization for Information Security helps to keep us measurable and on-track.

Committing to an environmental policy

Complying with relevant environmental and sustainability related laws and regulations is vital – committing to go further with sustainable strategies to reduce impact and offset carbon emissions makes a lasting difference.

Embracing sustainable practices

Using sustainable materials and minimising paper consumption by limiting printing and the purchase of books, recycling initiatives and a move towards green office locations with recognised certifications.

Considering climate impact in the corporate gift programmes we choose

Eco-friendly and reusable products help to minimise waste as well as making a positive statement about what matters to our firm.

Valuing green spaces

From beaches to forests - we have a duty to support initiatives that protect and restore the beautiful natural habitats and biodiversity that surround our office locations.

Conserving water

Across our offices implementing water-saving initiatives and promoting the responsible use of water for individuals and in IT infrastructure are vital.

Developing inclusive policies

Policies that ensure equal opportunities for everyone at Walkers strengthens our firm.

Supporting women in law

Gender equality matters – we support the career development of women lawyers and promote gender balance across our firm.

Creating an inclusive culture

Recruitment, promotion, professional development – ensuring opportunities are available to all is an important part of our DNA.

Recognising the value of DEI

Training and education programmes help everyone at Walkers understand the true value of diversity in our firm.

Partnering with like minds

Collaborating with like-minded organisations and taking part in initiatives that have the same aims as our own in supporting underrepresented groups builds our knowledge and understanding of why DEI matters.

Driving educational initiatives

Ensuring the next generation of Walkers’ people – legal and non-legal – have access to educational and scholarship programmes whatever their background is an important part of our own sustainability.

The power of pro bono

The work we do for the public good without charging a fee has the power to make a big difference. Engaging with the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation helps us to channel resources towards high-impact projects that are solving important social, environmental and economic challenges.

Volunteering time and talent

By encouraging and facilitating participation in initiatives and activities focused on environmental, education and local communities we help our people – and sometimes clients – to have a lasting personal impact.

Taking care of our clients

Ensuring that our clients are treated fairly and transparently builds trust and enduring relationships.

Supporting our people

From flexible working and professional development to mental health resources and good work-life balance - by offering programmes and practices that support employee health and well-being we help make our firm a magnet to the very best talent.

A clear code of conduct

Global policies that are consistent across our offices, transparent and fair grievance procedures, protection from mental, physical and verbal abuse, and a whistle-blowing policy that protects our people from any potential retaliation are all part of our robust code of conduct.

The Walkers Charity Foundation

Our annual programme of support to charities and not-for-profit organisation both in the Cayman Islands and across our global locations channels financial donations and resources towards where they can have the biggest impact.

Supporting causes with marketing initiatives

For over two decades we have supported the Cayman Islands National Trust’s bold efforts to protect and conserve the native blue iguana. Sourcing and donating blue iguana soft toys is just one of the ways we back this vitally important work.

Focused charity activities

By allocating a percentage of our profits each year to charitable activities, we give our local CSR and charity committees the financial resources they need to make a real impact. And by allowing our people to dedicate their time to causes that matter, we provide vital support.

Community in action

On a table, a blue toy iguana is holding a medal celebrating 21 years of Walkers' support.

For 20 years Walkers has supported the National Trust’s Blue Iguana Recovery and Conservation programme and helps raise awareness of the Cayman Islands' endemic reptile.

Find out about Iggy

A woman is delivering a powerful speech to a diverse audience about the law of society.

As part of its key priority of promoting equal access to legal opportunities, Walkers has been a sponsor of Trinity College Dublin Law Society's Outreach Programme since February 2022. Trinity runs the programme with designated disadvantaged secondary school students across Ireland with the goal of breaking down the barriers to careers in law for young people from all backgrounds.

About the outreach programme

A woman is planting colourful flowers in an office area of Walkers for environmental and social awareness.

In Dubai we team up with students from the SNF Centre for International Day of Disabled Persons. The SNF Group is a specialised learning development and training facility in Dubai that provides individualised training programs and support to young adults with special needs. Walkers volunteers joined the students at the centre for an interactive and fun morning of gardening.

About the SNF Group