ESG

Alongside its commitment to people and purpose, PEM, integrates ESG principles into its operations. By prioritising sustainability and upholding the highest standards of ethical governance, the firm strives to make a positive impact on both society and the planet.

PEM have publicly committed to delivering on four key areas:

Charitable giving

In 2018, the PEM Charitable Trust was proudly launched to enable greater agility in supporting smaller local charities. While people continue to fundraise with the same enthusiasm as ever, all funds are now pooled together. A dedicated committee reviews applications from local charities and causes, awarding one-off donations to those selected. This approach allows more people to be helped each year and ensures a focus on Cambridge’s most pressing needs.

Community

The aim is to foster a culture that actively encourages and empowers people to engage with the local community. Through an employer-supported volunteering scheme, people can dedicate a portion of their working hours to community initiatives, whether volunteering, serving as trustees, offering pro bono work, or providing mentoring.

Volunteer days are organised to enable people to give back to the community, while the firm also sponsors a wide range of sports clubs, local theatre productions, and community events. In addition, employees from PEM frequently participate in the Cambridge Half Marathon, and the firm proudly sponsors and volunteers at events like the Power2Inspire PowerHouse Games, alongside many other initiatives across Cambridgeshire.

Environment

The firm recognises the importance of protecting the environment and acknowledges that its operations inevitably have an impact. To manage and reduce this impact, a firmwide strategy is being developed, supported by a partnership established in 2021 with xtonnes to track, monitor, and lower carbon usage.

A number of initiatives have already been implemented to make the firm greener with a sample being the following:

• Disposable cups have been removed, with reusable cups and bottles provided to people to reduce single-use consumption.
• Soap dispensers have been replaced with refillable options to cut down on single-use plastics.
• A cycle-to-work scheme and an electric car scheme have been implemented, along with an electric vehicle charging point at the Station Road office.
• people are incentivized to car share through an additional mileage rate.
• A conscious effort has been made to work with small, local suppliers wherever possible.

These actions demonstrate the firm’s ongoing commitment to becoming an environmentally responsible organisation and reducing its carbon footprint.

Employee wellbeing and development

PEM have also introduced an agile working policy enabling people to work remotely, or from either of the firm’s offices, offering the flexibility needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours, a “dress for your diary” policy, a day off on birthdays, and a holiday purchase scheme are just a few of the initiatives designed to support employees’ well-being.

The firm is also committed to professional growth at every stage. From junior trainees to senior team members, PEM provides in-house training alongside funded external courses. A mentoring scheme helps new team members settle in and supports their progression within the firm.

PEM values its people and expresses gratitude for their hard work through a comprehensive package of people benefits, including fresh fruit boxes delivered to the office.