Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Global*
Good Company
to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Globally*
Everyone knows the brief at law firm Frettens: work hard and have fun. The progressive business, based in Christchurch, Dorset, and Ringwood, Hampshire, has created a working environment that is flexible, fulfilling and fun.
The firm embraces flexible working, and more than 40% of staff work non-standard hours. Many also work from home regularly. Equal opportunities, training, personal development and client service are important to Frettens, as is creating an enjoyable workplace for staff. Quarterly peer-voted awards celebrate colleagues who go the extra mile.
An employee engagement survey in 2021 highlighted gaps in what the company offers around Fair Deal, Leadership and Giving Something Back. As a result, the pay reviews last year were generous — significantly above inflation — as were annual bonuses, and many staff were promoted as their departments grew.
Frettens also stepped up its charitable efforts and staff responded by getting involved in fund-raising. Meanwhile, the firm invested in leadership training and supporting staff to gain professional qualifications.
Matthew Fretten, the managing partner, has an open-door policy and is highly visible around the office.
A social committee ensures the calendar is full. Events include a summer barbecue for staff and their families, a Chinese meal and karaoke night and a Christmas party. In addition, partners put money behind the bar for the team to have a drink after work on the first Friday of each month.
This job is good for my own personal growth
Staff have six-monthly career-progression meetings with the managing partner or operations manager. Discussions centre around Frettens' people strategy: "Tell us where you want to go and we will help you get there." The meetings are separate from annual appraisals with line managers or fee-earner review meetings and do not focus on performance.
This organisation has a strong social conscience
Staff are given a paid volunteering day and, to support Bournemouth charity MYTIME Young Carers, many helped supervise Making Memories Days for young carers. Others took part in fund-raising events such as the Bournemouth Bay half-marathon, the MYTIME corporate championships and a dodgeball event at Bournemouth 7s Festival.
I love working for this organisation
Matthew Fretten, the managing partner, and Lewis Barr, marketing and commercial director, run six-weekly briefings with a cross-section of staff. They communicate key aims and share financial results, client-satisfaction updates and organisation information. Participants then relay the information to their colleagues. Headline figures and key news is shared with all staff each month.
This job is good for my own personal growth
Staff have six-monthly career-progression meetings with the managing partner or operations manager. Discussions centre around Frettens' people strategy: "Tell us where you want to go and we will help you get there." The meetings are separate from annual appraisals with line managers or fee-earner review meetings and do not focus on performance.
This organisation has a strong social conscience
Staff are given a paid volunteering day and, to support Bournemouth charity MYTIME Young Carers, many helped supervise Making Memories Days for young carers. Others took part in fund-raising events such as the Bournemouth Bay half-marathon, the MYTIME corporate championships and a dodgeball event at Bournemouth 7s Festival.
This job is good for my own personal growth
Staff have six-monthly career-progression meetings with the managing partner or operations manager. Discussions centre around Frettens' people strategy: "Tell us where you want to go and we will help you get there." The meetings are separate from annual appraisals with line managers or fee-earner review meetings and do not focus on performance.
Companies offering private health insurance to all employees.
At least 40% of senior managers are women.
If you like what you see here and would like to know more about working for a
2 Star
organisation, simply click the link for further information about careers with
Frettens Solicitors
.