International law firm Osborne Clarke, which has its main UK office in Bristol, has appointed a new head of responsible business as it looks to hit ambitious targets in a number of areas including diversity, wellbeing and sustainability.
The firm, which employs around 800 people in Bristol and also has UK offices in London and Reading, said Kate Millar, pictured, brought a wealth of experience from the financial services sector to the role, having spent almost 20 years at international banks including Barclays, Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank and ANZ Bank in Melbourne. 
The appointment, her first venture into the legal services industry, will involve developing, leading and ensuring accountability for the firm’s environmental, social and governance goals.
She succeeds Bola Gibson, who recently joined Foot Anstey, the national law firm with an office in Bristol, after nearly four years in the role.
Kate will now lead its multi-disciplinary team, which includes specialist leads in ESG (environmental, social and governance) pro bono, diversity & inclusion, wellbeing and sustainability reporting.
Osborne Clarke said being a responsible and ethical business and employer underpinned its business strategy, with its Osborne Clarke For Good framework ensuring it was a good corporate citizen, a good employer and a good business.
The firm added that with her extensive background, Kate brought “deep technical expertise across the responsible business agenda, including community investment, environmental strategy, diversity & inclusion and culture change”.
Kate added: “Osborne Clarke has already established a well-deserved reputation as a responsible business leader, so it is exciting to be joining a firm with such a thoughtful and embedded approach.
“While we have achieved an incredible amount over the last few years, there is still more to be done.”
She said the firm had set ambitious goals in its 2025 strategy, particularly regarding gender representation and through its Race Action Plan.
“Ensuring that we’re on track to deliver these important commitments will be an early priority,” she said.
“I am also looking forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate with our clients and suppliers on our path to net zero.”
