Case Study: Training and Development - Buckles Solicitors

Buckles encourages staff development in a variety of ways:

• Recruiting young people through the local college (Peterborough Regional College) on a Modern Apprenticeship basis. They join the General Office, undertaking general admin duties, attend college one day a week and have assessments in the workplace. They are also exposed to various roles in the firm, for example, spending time learning audio typing and supporting secretaries in various departments. Once a member of staff has completed the Modern Apprenticeship course, they are encouraged to pursue the ILEX Secretarial qualification.
• Secretaries and administrative staff are also actively encouraged to pursue career enhancing qualifications, such as, the ILEX exams.
• The firm is considering introducing a salary scale to encourage and reward development.
• Bringing trainee solicitors through the firm.
• Supporting a member of the marketing department studying for a CIM Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing.

2 former Modern Apprentices now work as secretaries.

A Senior Secretary is being trained as a mentor with formal training at the local college. She will work with the trainees and with other staff with development needs.

Three of the firm’s partners started their career training at Buckles.

Christine Walker