12 Dec 2024
People Matter at Aberdein Considine
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Comment magazine.
Leading law firm Aberdein Considine, which employs more than 450 people, including around 160 in Edinburgh and the central belt, is two years into the implementation of a progressive and ambitious “people agenda”, with a view to enhancing the employee journey, creating the best possible working environment and nurturing a culture in which all colleagues are enabled and empowered to do their best work and achieve their highest potential.People Matter is led by Sally-Anne Anderson, who previously headed up Aberdein Considine’s employment team. Sally-Anne joined the firm’s management team in September 2022 and turned her focus to working alongside the Managing Partner and HR Director to develop and implement a “people first” strategy that aligns with the objectives of the business and supports its aim to promote excellence in delivery of property, legal and financial services for the firm’s expanding client base.
A platform known as ‘we are listening’ has been developed to measure and understand employee engagement and experience. Based on the priorities arising from employee feedback the firm has: rolled out a host of enhanced family-friendly policies; introduced ‘AC Flex’ offering a range of flexible and hybrid working arrangements; implemented a “Dress for your day” policy; rolled out menopause and neurodiversity policies and; initiated meaningful discussions on important topics relating to employee wellbeing and DE&I as part of a firm-wide ‘Let’s Talk’ initiative. Aberdein Considine has also created a learning and development hub and work is ongoing to enhance colleagues’ learning and development journey, linking closely with career progression as well as leadership development to build a strong leadership pipeline going forward. This is also supported by the development of a new performance development platform which centres around regular feedback and recognition.
Sally-Anne said: “It is a pleasure and privilege to lead the People Matter project, with the backing of the senior management team at Aberdein Considine, who are committed to creating the best possible employee proposition, ensuring that as a business we attract new talent and retain the accomplished and committed professionals who already make this long-established firm a great place to work.”
She added that delivering the project is not without its challenges, “As a diverse business - both in terms of the range of professional services we deliver and our geographical scope (from Peterhead to Manchester) - there are no ‘one fits all’ solutions. Our people strategies and polices must all be highly bespoke and adaptable to ensure that every business area is accommodated in the way that works best for them. It takes time, consultation, listening and understanding to reach the right solutions, but the results are very rewarding when we do.
“As a business we believe that our greatest investment is in our people and the People Matter project is a practical and tangible expression of that commitment.”