Pictured above L-R: Josie Macleod collects the SBT Unsung Hero Award from Larissa Joy, SBT Chair.

Josie Macleod, Associate and Grace Mathieson, Trainee Solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys worked with Twining Enterprise and were awarded a joint Unsung Hero SBT Award for their work. 

Can you briefly describe the project you worked on? 

We are reviewing the Employee Handbook and related policies of Twining Enterprise, a charity providing employment support, advice and guidance to people with mental health issues. 

What was a highlight of your time volunteering/ what was your proudest moment? 

Being able to use our expertise to help a charity, and knowing that the updated handbook and policies should stand them in good stead moving forwards.  

What is the most important thing you learnt? 

That a charity may have different priorities to businesses, or even other charities and so it is important to understand these from the outset. For example, certain policies were particularly important to Twining given the nature of their work. 

What would you say to someone else thinking of volunteering with SBT? 

Do it – everyone can do their bit in some way. Your knowledge and expertise could really benefit a charity that would not otherwise be able to access such resources. 

How did it feel to win an award? 

Surprising! It was nice to know that we have been able to help a charity that does such important work, even if only in a small way. 

“As we grow and develop as an organisation is crucial we have the requisite systems and processes to maintain performance and culture at a level that supports high impact for those we service. Through the work of Charles Russell Speechlys, we have been able to garner top legal advice to ensure both a protective and progressive staff handbook and wide-ranging organisational policies including safeguarding and recruitment to support our success and development in the years ahead. The guidance from Josie and Grace has been invaluable.”
-Oli Jacobs, CEO at Twining