TLT becomes one of the first law firms in the UK to receive family-friendly accreditation

National law firm TLT has become one of the founding partners of the UK’s first accreditation scheme designed to set new benchmarks for family-friendly workplaces. The firm has also been awarded the accreditation itself following the certification process, underscoring its commitment to creating a supportive workplace that enables colleagues to thrive at work and home.

The Family Friendly Workplace accreditation, developed in partnership with national charity Working Families – the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers –sets new standards for inclusive employers. Using a proven framework set against international best-practice standards, it is the first accreditation in the UK whereby employers can assess their policies and practices and develop an action plan to set them on the path to certification as a Family Friendly Workplace. By assessing results taken from real examples measuring real-world impact, the scheme helps organisations future-proof their workplaces and meet the evolving needs of working families.

TLT was awarded the accreditation in recognition of its current inclusive and flexible standards underpinned by a robust programme to support working parents. These standards include an award-winning flexible approach to working – TLT World – as well as generous family leave support and later-in-life-programmes. In 2024, TLT also re-affirmed its dedication to driving positive change in workplace practices and supporting working families by joining the Flexible & Family Friendly Working All –Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) as sponsor.

The firm’s achievements in this space were acknowledged by Working Families naming TLT a Top 30 employer for working families.

As part of the certification, the firm has also committed to a variety of improvements, including expanding our parental and carers support and further assistance for parents with children needing neonatal care. A major focus will be on domestic and family violence and abuse, providing new guidance and opening conversation on this challenging and often hidden subject.

Helen Hodgkinson, chief people officer at TLT said: “TLT’s people are the firm’s beating heart. By ensuring we’re meeting their needs and requirements throughout their working life, we are also ensuring ongoing commercial success. In an era where people expect more from their employer, any business that fails to listen to their people is taking a substantial risk and will lose out on talent.

“We are proud both to be a founding partner of the UK’s first family-friendly accreditation and to be among the first to be accredited. I am confident that the framework will set a new benchmark for employers to ensure they are taking the right steps to support employee wellbeing and improve inclusivity.”

Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families said: “For too long, businesses have lacked a clear, evidence-based framework for what truly makes a workplace family-friendly. This accreditation changes that. By giving employers the tools to assess, improve, and embed family-friendly policies, we’re helping to create workplaces where parents and carers can thrive at work whilst fulfilling their caring responsibilities. In turn, businesses will see higher retention, engagement and productivity, and create a culture where employees feel valued and supported.”