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European law firm Fieldfisher is partnering with Social Shifters, an international charity designed to support the next generation of leaders who are focused on tackling the world's social and environmental issues in dynamic and innovative ways. This is Fieldfisher's first global volunteering opportunity, led by societal impact team, Just Purpose, which oversees Fieldfisher's pro bono and community initiatives.
Social Shifters supports a global community of young innovators through grant funding opportunities and by equipping them with tools for change. This partnership will see Fieldfisher support young leaders and founders (aged 18-30 years old) from countries across the world. The support will be provided through a multi-phase project involving a series of submissions and pitches designed to help them develop their project to positively impact their communities and drive forward sustainable change.
Fieldfisher aims to foster cross-office and cross-sector collaboration whilst also driving change and equipping its people with the tools to have societal impact. The firm's European network of offices will provide Social Shifters with a diverse and comprehensive range of expertise, deepening the opportunities and resources the charity provides.
The volunteering process will unfold in stages, starting with 100 employees helping to judge young people's submissions and score written competition entries, of which the international charity usually receives thousands globally. Eight finalists will be shortlisted and 16 of the 100 Fieldfisher volunteers will then be invited to apply to become coaches to the finalists, guiding them in the lead up to live pitches in front of a panel of judges in December. Coaches will be paired up with colleagues from across Fieldfisher's international network of offices to facilitate cross-office networking and collaboration and ensure that the innovators will have support tailored to their needs.
Fieldfisher will be working with young people whose projects align with any of the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: reduced inequalities, climate action, and/or peace, justice and strong institutions. Three winners will be selected from these pitches, and they will receive seed funding of $1,000 each and ongoing pro bono support from Fieldfisher as needed.
The partnership contributes towards the firm's expansion of its own international network and sustainability initiatives, which was recently bolstered by the appointment of leading specialist Nicole Bigby, as Sustainability and ESG Director, to steer the firm's centralised ESG function and drive its internal Sustainability strategy.
Millie Hawes, Head of Just Purpose, from Fieldfisher commented on the partnership "Young change-makers play a pivotal role in the future of our society and our planet, we are committed to dedicating not only financial resources but our time and expertise to bolstering their innovations as part of our drive to deliver sustainable impact and purpose.
"We hope our involvement will help accelerate youth-led sustainability projects that help tackle wider social and environmental issues".
David Haddow, Co-Founder at Social Shifters said "We're super excited to be working alongside Just Purpose this year to connect the skills, experience and enthusiasm of Fieldfisher employee volunteers with our incredible young founders!
"I'd encourage anyone who has an interest in issues of sustainability, who is intrigued by innovation or who wants to get behind the next generation leaders to get involved in the programme this year. Among the many benefits you'll come away from your experience feeling inspired, with a fresh perspective on world issues, and with a renewed sense of hope."
