Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Standards 2008
This rewarded excellence in practice management and service delivery from practices that successfully implemented the Lexcel standards. The judges looked for practices that effectively incorporated the Lexcel framework into their business strategies to drive continuous improvement. This award was open to Lexcel-accredited practices only.
Winner: The Projects Partnership Limited
The Projects Partnership Limited really put the mantra 'employees are a business's most important asset' at the heart of everything they do. The judges felt their commitment to personnel management in particular was far beyond a mere tick in a box – adopting Lexcel only just after the firm was created, and upgrading to Lexcel Version 4 when it was only optional to do so. The firm is also unique in one other way in this evening's awards. The testimonials in their entry included one from a client who said that the firm were so good, they said they actually enjoyed paying the bills!
Highly commended: Corby Borough Council Legal Services
In 2005 the department identified the need for fundamental changes to develop more effective practices and within a two year period had implemented a range of solutions, including Lexcel. The department demonstrated its positive and proactive commitment to adopting and developing best practice management for the benefit of their department and organisation.
Shortlisted: Birkett Long LLP
Birkett Long’s commitment to maintaining and developing standards is demonstrated in
its dedication to investing in staff and the firm’s culture. There is extensive involvement
of staff throughout the firm, particularly within its planning processes. The firm’s open
culture supports the commitment to continual development at all levels and has had a
range of benefits especially in relation to effective risk management.
Shortlisted: Fiona
Bruce & Co LLP
This firm has demonstrated a business-driven and practical approach to meeting the
Lexcel standard through multiple initiatives implemented to support its commitment to
continual development and maintaining high standards. The firm’s proactive approach
shows that it is keen not only to adopt but to go beyond the requirements within the
standard.
Shortlisted: Kinsey & Co
Solicitors
This sole practitioner showed a high level of commitment and dedication to best practice,
particularly in client service, business continuity and personnel management. Kinsey & Co’s implementation of the Lexcel standard supported the firm’s business and strategic needs and demonstrates that small practices are in no way limited in either outlook or expectations.
Shortlisted: Peters Langsford Davies Solicitors
Following the merger of two culturally different firms and a Lexcel assessment, the
firm identified a need to change its approach to quality systems. The firm demonstrated
its commitment to achieving a high level of practice management standards through
achieving accreditation and the steps taken to go beyond what is required.
Shortlisted: Staffordshire County Council
Staffordshire County Council has taken a practical approach and implemented best practices appropriate for supporting their unit. It is using Lexcel standards to guide and complement its objectives, making Lexcel highly relevant for the organisation. This results and objectives driven approach supports a commitment to provide relevant and effective services.