About BKL

The values of the firm are integrated into everything they do and the senior management team lead by example. The partners see the values as paramount to the success of BKL. The partners were instrumental to the values launch at Chickenshed; and actively continued discussions about the values through follow-up sessions with team members. The values form a fundamental part of how BKL interview, recruit and select new team members; their induction process involves a partner providing an introduction to their values to all new team members. In the PDR appraisal process, values are integral to setting targets. They also use them in their competency profiles and how they measure behaviours. Partners regularly nominate team members for exemplifying the values of the practice and encourage others within the firm to nominate colleagues. The values are highlighted in the company regular communication sessions - ‘From the Horse’s Mouth’, to which all team members are invited. They are used in a wide variety of communications within the firm, such as articles in their newsletter, often produced by senior management. Even their tea and coffee mugs help remind them of their values, as well as the art work in the boardrooms, signage in the stairways and BKL stationery. Key decisions for the practice are always made using the values. When faced with difficult decisions on how to proceed, the partners use the values as a framework for deciding on the best possible options for the firm and encourage team-members to do the same

BKL want team-members to develop their careers and progress at the firm. The company take pride in being a meritocracy. They have a dedicated talent team, creating clear job descriptions, competency frameworks and targets so team-members receive frequent, useful, on-going feedback. They use a range of tools such as team appraisals, regular reviews and 360 feedbacks to ensure the team get the right level of support. BKL encourage team-members to track their own development and give them the tools to do this, such as work/training passports. Passports help trainees understand expectations for work and training opportunities they have whilst studying with BKL and follow on into qualifications. This provides a detailed plan of what training they should receive and when, the type of work they will be exposed to and responsibilities they will take on. The passports are reviewed on a regular basis with the HR team to ensure each individual’s development is kept on-track. This is integrated into their appraisal (PDR) system and is a valuable tool for setting targets. For trainees, they provide full study support, including paid time off throughout their training contract, through highly-regarded study providers. Team-members have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities, including external professional qualification courses, practical skills, management training and CPD level training. There are regular internal programs like Induction sessions, Tax seminars (run by their award-winning Tax team), audit master-classes, IT skills and personal development sessions. All new team-members are assigned a buddy to help support them.

BKL contributes to their volunteering scheme in collaboration with Barnet Education Business Partnership. Team members visit schools to help students with career advice and run workshops that develop employability skills: they’re investing in the future stars of business. The company sponsor and support other local enterprises such as ‘Young Enterprise Companies Programme’ and ‘Woodhouse College Careers Academy’, promoting positive relationships between BKL and the community, particularly investing in young adults in North London. They support their corporate charity as patrons of Chickenshed. Chickenshed are an inclusive theatre company for young people from all social and economic backgrounds, races and abilities. They run successful educational courses and outreach programmes targeting issues such as knife crime, engaging young people at risk of offending or becoming victims. As well as supporting their inspirational shows and events, BKL donate an annual sponsorship to Chickenshed to help them continue their excellent work in the community. BKL have taken clients to performances and advertise ways that people within the company can further support this cause through their newsletter. The company encourage taking part in sponsored charitable activities: BKL will match any funds raised by team members up to £500 per annum. This is their way of giving back and encouraging other colleagues to get involved too. In the past, the BKL team have raised money for Movember (men’s health awareness), Breast Cancer Research, Langdon (helping young adults with learning difficulties to live independently), Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and the North London Hospice.