Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the legal system, but for many people it can feel out of reach. Barriers such as cost, complexity and a lack of clear information can make it difficult to know where to turn, let alone how to take the first step.
Our latest Responsible Business report details how access to justice is a core part of how we deliver impact. As consultant Bernadette McGhie notes, “it’s not just about whether legal support exists, but whether people feel able to access it in the first place.”
Supporting people through complex experiences
For individuals affected by birth trauma, accessing legal support can be particularly complex. Alongside the legal considerations, there are often significant emotional and practical challenges to navigate.
Our partnership with the Birth Trauma Association reflects the importance of taking a more holistic approach. By working alongside an organisation that supports individuals and families with lived experience, we are better able to understand the realities people face and the barriers they encounter when seeking help.
As Bernadette reflects, “people are often coming to these issues at a point of real vulnerability. The way support is delivered matters just as much as the advice itself.”
Partnerships with charities and community organisations play an important role in bridging the gap between legal expertise and those who need it.
Through our work with the Birth Trauma Association, we have supported the development of clearer pathways to information and advice, helping individuals to better understand their options and the support available to them. In Bernadette’s words, “trusted organisations play a vital role in helping people feel confident enough to take that first step.”
These partnerships also help to build trust, which is an essential factor in encouraging people to seek help at what can be a particularly difficult time.
Looking beyond the legal process
Access to justice is often associated with formal legal processes, but the reality is broader. For many, the first challenge is simply understanding what has happened and what steps, if any, can be taken.
Providing clear, accessible information is therefore a key part of improving access. It helps individuals to feel more informed and more confident, and can support earlier engagement with the right services.
As Bernadette puts it, “access to justice starts long before a case - it starts with understanding.”
A consistent, long-term commitment
As with other areas of responsible business, improving access to justice is an ongoing process. It is shaped by sustained effort, collaboration and a willingness to adapt.
Alongside partnerships such as our work with the Birth Trauma Association, this includes maintaining a commitment to legal aid and continuing to support initiatives that make legal information more accessible. “It’s about taking practical steps, consistently,” Bernadette notes, “and recognising that small changes can make a meaningful difference.”
Taken together, these actions contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that legal services are not only available, but approachable and effective for those who need them most.
Looking ahead
The challenges surrounding access to justice are unlikely to be resolved by a single initiative. But by working in partnership, focusing on real-world needs and taking a thoughtful, incremental approach, meaningful progress can be made.
Ultimately, it is about ensuring that people feel supported, informed and able to take the steps that are right for them.
It’s about making the law work for people, not the other way around.
Get in touch
Call us on +44 (0)20 3826 7550 or complete our enquiry form.
