A major professional services firm has formalised its sustainability and responsible business commitments by joining the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

Womble Bond Dickinson, a UK and international law firm with a significant presence in the North East of England, including Newcastle and Redcar, has become a participant in the UN Global Compact.

The framework promotes alignment between business operations and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, covering areas such as environmental responsibility, labour standards, human rights and anti-corruption.

The decision places the firm among thousands of global organisations that have committed to embedding the Compact’s ten principles into corporate strategy, policies and culture. Participation also requires signatories to demonstrate progress publicly through annual reporting.

Sally Dallow, partner lead for responsible business at Womble Bond Dickinson, said the move reflects a broader commitment to embedding sustainability into how the firm operates and serves clients.

“This commitment highlights our unwavering dedication to responsible business practices and the advancement of sustainable development worldwide. By joining the UN Global Compact, we recognise the vital role businesses play in building a fairer, more sustainable future,” Dallow said.

She added: “Aligning with the UNGC enables us to embed internationally recognised principles into our every aspect of our operations and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact has become a widely recognised benchmark for organisations seeking to integrate environmental, social and governance considerations into decision-making and long-term planning. Participation signals an expectation of transparency, continuous improvement and accountability across operations and supply chains.

Follow the full story on the firm’s sustainability commitments and reporting plans.