Foot Anstey announces commitment to pledge 1% of profits to charity

Foot Anstey has announced that it will be donating 1% of net profits annually to its responsible business programme. The firm is believed to be one of the first UK law firms to make this pledge.

The benchmark donation will be invested into the development and delivery of a wide range of programmes - from helping the firm meet its net zero commitments, to tackling the challenge of social inclusion for young people around the country.

In July 2024, the firm launched its first partnership under the new programme, committing £50,000 to support the Youth Hostels Association in providing 250 spaces on its Breaks Programme. The programme provides access to travel and adventure for groups of young people who face challenges or who need additional support. While much of the firm's funding will support young people in and around its offices, there is a concerted effort to provide opportunities to groups operating in some of the UK's most deprived communities.

The firm is also using its funding commitment to boost colleague activity, revamping its Foundation which will match staff fundraising for causes that matter to them.   

Speaking about the programme, Executive Director of Responsible Business at the firm, Bola Gibson, said: "Foot Anstey is ready to take the next step on the journey to having a greater positive impact on local communities and young people across the country. We're an ambitious business, and we want to apply that ambition and passion to helping young people access opportunities that build their confidence and unlock their potential futures.

"This programme is just the beginning. We're in the process of developing a longer term strategy which will see us grow our support to tackle social mobility cold spots and to find and support our next generation of talent. Our new strategy will also see us make significant commitments around environmental performance and to the provision of other resources to help local communities.”

Martin Hirst, Managing Partner, added: "We take our responsibility to our people, the planet and our communities seriously. Being a more responsible business is critical to helping us realise our ambitions, which is why it's one of the four pillars of our firmwide strategy. Our people want to use their time and skills to deliver for our clients and causes that matter to them, and our new approach will enable them to do this. With the appointment of our Responsible Business lead and our 1% profit pledge, we're excited to see the difference we can make.”