Home / News / CMS signs Mindful Business Charter

CMS signs Mindful Business Charter

10 May 2019

CMS has signed the Mindful Business Charter, joining a number of financial services businesses and law firms in a collective commitment to change the avoidable working practices that can affect employees' mental health and wellbeing.

The Charter, originally launched by Barclays and law firms Pinsent Masons and Addleshaw Goddard, brings banks' in-house legal teams and their legal services providers together to reach a shared agenda for mental health wellbeing.

At an event marking six months since the Charter's launch, CMS pledged its commitment to abide by a set of principles centred on improved communication, respect for working hours and considerate delegation of tasks. Performance against these principles will be monitored as part of a standing agenda item during review meetings.

The Mindful Business Charter aims to promote a culture of openness about mental wellbeing, ensure responsible business is included as an area of assessment during significant procurement processes and drive forward the actions and necessary change in support of the principles of the Charter.

Penelope Warne, The Senior Partner of CMS UK, comments:

"We are pleased to support the Mindful Business Charter. The health and wellbeing of our people is vital for the success of our organisation. We have a comprehensive wellbeing programme designed to support our employees manage their health, stress and workloads and as a firm we are committed to developing a supportive culture built on trust, respect and inclusion so that all careers can thrive. Signing the Charter is further recognition of our commitment in this area.’”

Speaking on behalf of the founding group, Philip Aiken, Managing Director at Barclays said:

"CMS wholehearted engagement with the Charter demonstrates its passion and belief in inspiring positive change. The take-up from so many of our banking and legal counterparts shows the power of collaboration and we hope that in time these principles will be applied in all organisations across all sectors."

The Charter has the support of mental health charity Mind, the Law Society, Law Care and the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.