Leaders of the future - itslearning

Article Case study
An award-winning partnership between
international law firm Pinsent Masons and
Manchester Academy not only helps raise
young people’s aspirations and academic
achievement – it also brings tangible benefits
for the company.
Pinsent Masons has run mentoring and reading and maths
support programmes at the academy since 2007 as part of
a firm-wide community investment programme focused on
‘Inspiring Young Lives’. Staff from across the firm have shared
their experiences and built partnerships with schools in the
communities close to each of the firm’s offices.
Last year the partnership won Pinsent Masons the Bank of
America Merrill Lynch Education Award at the Business in
the Community Awards for Excellence. Almost a third of the
staff in the company’s Manchester office have taken part in
the mentoring programme at the Moss Side school. Since the
scheme started, it has given more than 60 students valuable
one-to-one support.
Staff from all departments and at all levels are encouraged to
participate. Under the mentoring scheme, employees are paired
up with students for the academic year. They offer support
through a combination of visits to the school and sessions at
Pinsent Masons’ offices. Volunteers also attend the Moss Side
school each week during term time to support students with
reading and maths.
Surveys show that employees’ pride in the firm has increased
steadily since 2005. And there are definite benefits for the
company and the employees who take part, says Partner and
Manchester CR Leader, Howard Gill. “The Manchester
programme is linked in with our learning and development team,
to make sure it fits with employees’ continuing professional
development,” he says.
“There are opportunities for staff to develop new skills, and
extend existing ones, for example in communication, team
working and time management.
“The partnership also helps us meet our HR objectives in terms
of recruitment and retention. Staff turnover has reduced, and
while there are undoubtedly a number of factors, the Manchester
Academy partnership has definitely helped.”
Reprinted with kind permission from the Education and
Employers Taskforce
The Education and Employers Taskforce was launched as
an independent charity in October 2009. Its aim is to ensure
that every school and college has an effective partnership with
employers which provides young people with the inspiration,
motivation, knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to
help them achieve their potential, and so secure our national
prosperity.
The Taskforce’s Partnership Board comprises the leaders of
the main representative organisations from education and
employment. Visit www.educationandemployers.org
The Taskforce has created free one-stop-shop online guides to
education and employer engagement. Visit www.teachersguide.org
and www.employers-guide.org
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