Hymans Robertson has given over £200,000 and helped more than 400 families and over 1500 individuals through 55 different charitable organisations both as a firm, and through the Hymans Robertson Foundation, over the last year. The figures are revealed as the leading independent pensions and financial services consultancy releases its 2020/21 CSR report.

In the year in which the firm celebrated its 100th birthday, the impact of Covid created an urgent need for the most vulnerable. A cornerstone of the firm’s activity, through its Foundation, was the launch of a charity hardship fund. This gave over £45,000 in practical help which reached more than 400 families and over 1,000 individuals, helping to provide essential support from food and care parcels, laptops and digital access, educational materials, counselling sessions to vital PPE, in partnership with charities across the UK.

A Hymans Robertson Foundation bursary fund was also launched to support young people, with initial funding now doubled to £60,000. This fund was used to support costs directly incurred through education, training or employment such as interview clothing, travel costs, work tools and certifications. The Hymans Robertson Foundation donate funds directly to charities that take responsibility for distributing directly to the individuals they support.

Throughout pandemic, the Hymans Robertson Foundation continued its Secure Financial Futures programme and this year £102,500 was directed towards educational skills and financial training via strategic charity partners. This money helped 550 young people move into positive destinations and guide them towards secure financial futures. Additionally, the firm’s employee volunteer ‘Helping Hands’ team organised fundraising and work in partnership with local charities. All staff charitable activities, which continued virtually during lockdown, were matched by the firm.

Outlining the importance of CSR during the pandemic, Shireen Anisuddin, Managing Partner, Hymans Robertson explained:

"2020 and the Covid pandemic will undoubtably remain memorable in our 100-year history and our special birthday arrived in circumstances unimaginable 18 months ago. Serving our communities and environment has always been a key commitment for us, and in more usual times 30% of our colleagues would use volunteering days to give back to our communities.

“This year however extra funding was directed towards a hardship fund set up by the firm’s Foundation. Our Helping Hands teams worked with local charity partners to identify where help was needed most, and tailor our support at a time of need. We were very pleased to have been able to assist in a practical way that reflects our core partnering value. We look forward to continuing to support those in need by working at a grassroots level throughout 2021, and beyond.”

Commenting on the work of the Hymans Robertson Foundation in 2020, the Foundation's Chair, Clive Fortes said:

"During 2020 we worked hand in hand with our fabulous charity partners to ensure the best possible use of funds to support young people and communities across the UK. Our bursary fund, which is helping young people continue with education, employment, and training is something I am particularly pleased that we have been able to do. I’d like to thank the community-based charities, many of which were nominated by staff in each of our four locations, in helping us to reach 50 young people in the first five months since launching the bursary. We look forward to extending this programme to support over 200 in its first year.”