Foot Anstey, which has an office in Bristol, is to donate 1% of its net profits every year to its responsible business programme – a move it believes makes it one of first UK legal firms to announce the commitment.
The donation will be invested in developing and delivering 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 the firm launched its first partnership under the new programme, committing £50,000 to support YHA (England & Wales) in providing 250 spaces on its Breaks Programme, which provides access to travel and adventure for groups of young people who face challenges or who need additional support.
While much of Foot Anstey’s funding will support young people in and around its offices, there is also 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 pledge to boost staff activity, revamping its foundation to match fundraising for causes that matter to its employees.
Foot Anstey has expanded strongly over recent years, achieving 44% growth since 2020. 
It made a net profit of £6.15m on turnover was more than £67m in its 2023/24 financial year.
Foot Anstey executive director of responsible business Bola Gibson, pictured, 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.”
Foot Anstey managing partner Martin Hirst, pictured, 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.”
Foot Anstey also has offices in London, Plymouth, Taunton and Truro. Its 500-plus staff and just under 50 partners work with leading brands and individuals predominantly across six key sectors – developers, energy & infrastructure, Islamic finance, private equity, private wealth, retail & consumer.
