Legally Smoke-Free

A Stafford-based firm of solicitors has become the first in the Borough to be singled out for praise by Stafford Borough Council, after ensuring its offices are completely smoke-free.

Hand Morgan and Owen has scooped the prestigious Platinum Smoke Free Staffordshire Award after being 100 per cent smoke-free for ten years.

“This is a marvellous achievement, and it’s particularly pleasing that we have been able to make our first presentation to a firm of solicitors,” explains Stafford Borough Council’s Health Promotion Officer, Kate Rutter.

Jennifer Woodyard, Quality Manager at Hand Morgan and Owen, is equally thrilled to be singled-out for praise. “We have been smoke-free for 10 years, but this award reflects the efforts made by the Partners to provide a healthy working environment, which in turn makes it a more pleasant place to visit and work in,” she says.

“Some of our clients no doubt find it a stressful situation to visit the practice, perhaps following a bereavement or during a divorce, but there has never been a problem or issue from anyone who has asked to smoke, and has politely been told that the premises is smoke free,” adds Jennifer.

Equally, staff working at Hand Morgan and Owen are happy to adhere to the smoke-free order. “We do have a couple of staff members who smoke, but they also respect the policy and wait until lunch time, when they’ve left the building.

“We also provide information to staff who may wish to give up smoking, telling them where they can receive support locally to quit. Ultimately, I think our clients would expect Hand Morgan and Owen to be a smoke-free and pleasant environment, and that’s exactly what we aim to provide,” adds Jennifer.