Individual charitable donations are the lifeblood of many of the UK's c175,000 charities. The firm operates a payroll giving scheme for all UK employees, which allows employees to give to charity in a tax efficient way. In addition, the firm gives up to £250 sponsorship to employees undertaking charitable fundraising endeavours like marathons or skydives in aid of charity.

Our Social and Sports Committee selects a charity of the year and organises a number of enjoyable fundraising events to help reach our target. In 2006, Herbert Smith employees raised £34,000 for Shooting Star Children's Hospice. Our charity of the year in 2007 is Breast Cancer Care and we have already raised £50,000.

The firm itself also operates a central fund for making donations to charity that contact the firm and are within our remit. In 2006, Herbert Smith supported over 60 charities in this way. We also provide in-kind support, such as the use of meeting rooms and other facilities, to many of the charities involved in our community investment programme.

For more information on our charitable giving programme see our corporate website or email csr@herbertsmith.com