News & Views

National Volunteer week in 2022 is 16-22 May, and the theme this year is "Better Together".
Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.

To find our more about National Volunteer Week, CLICK HERE

Volunteering Australia CEO, Mark Pearce continues with his theme of 'change is the only constant' in 2022, following the protracted COVID-19 pandemic, however he says that 'change' in 2022 will be positive as communities reconnect and regain control and the strategic importance of volunteering and it's sense of purpose come to the forefront. See his report in ProBono Australia HERE

The effectiveness of Net-zero corporate targets and strategies and the reliability of reported data is under increasing scrutiny. In response The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) organisation released the first clear standard for net zero targets in November last year. Now the Carbon Trust has released perhaps the first external certification to verify business' net-zero targets and strategies. which will be badged as either “taking action”, “advancing” or “leading”.  READ MORE

So here’s an interesting observation that speaks volumes about how climate action awareness differ across industries and how the legal sector stands out for climate concern. A recent Momentum survey found the voting preferences of lawyers was most highly influenced by climate policy (62% compared to 49 percent average).  Standout industries with low climate change concern were accountants with45%, Financial managers with 38% and real-estate managers with 42%. READ THE REPORT

Three AusLSA member firms give their recommendations about what should be done to provide better leadership pathways for women. This follows the release of the latest WGEA report that shows, despite 42% of employers reduced their pay gap since 2020, men are still more likely to be in the top salary quartile. Recognition goes beyond just remuneration and  these three leading firms provide some great insights. Read the Lawyers weekly report HERE.

With regulations relaxing, many firms are now considering what return-to-work might look like and while flexible working is not new for law firms, a permanent flexible working arrange may have benefits.

Paul Garth, from Pinset Masons Vario provides some tips in a Lawyers Weekly article about what to consider before you embark on a flexible working program. He believes that firms who don't have a good flexible working balance will lose talent to firms who get it right. Read his article HERE.

Most of us want a better understanding of the what our customers legal and compliance leaders are thinking about ESG. Global Counsel Leaders are convening a roundtable of leaders from several countries will come to discuss the challenges, priorities, supply chains, regulation and standards. REGISTER HERE

While the community sector's gender diversity is much better than the corporate sector, we still need more women on boards, and more women in leadership positions. 

This International Women’s Day, the Institute of Company Directors are hosting a webinar aimed at helping women to join a board. Register HERE

Terms like 'carbon neutral' and 'net zero' continue to have confusing and contradictory meanings, and can be used by some companies to hide product claims behind 'greenwashing'. Meeting Net Zero claims made by some countries and companies will mean changes to how we live work and play - starting from now.

The Thomson-Reuters Foundation, in their report HERE, talk about what Net Zero is, why it matters and things to consider in setting a target.

The Greenpeace Green Energy Guide (GREG, as it is affectionately known) is reportedly Australia's only comprehensive and independent guide to the Green energy credentials of Australia's retail electricity providers. If we are to meet our 2030 goals for coal closures, then green energy is a good solution now. But which one?. See the report about GREG from ProBono Australia HERE