Corporate Social Responsibility

Committed to giving back

Hay & Kilner celebrated a record-breaking year of fundraising after raising £11,037.36 for St Oswald’s Hospice during 2025, the highest annual total the firm had ever achieved.

The Partners at Hay & Kilner matched the funds raised for the first time, bringing the overall donation to an impressive £22,074.72 in support of the Newcastle-based hospice.

Throughout the year, colleagues across the firm took part in a wide range of fundraising activities. As well as seeing the return of the popular bake sales, raffles, wine tasting, employee quiz, football tournament held in association with the Young Professionals Forum, and tombola at the Gateshead Beer Festival, new fundraising initiatives were introduced, including bauble decorating in association with the Junior Lawyers Division, a rounders competition, and a quiz held at John Lewis for friends of the firm. Engagement across the firm was at an all-time high, demonstrated most by the 11 runners in the Great North Run.

The firm is also proud to be supporting the Peter Rabbit™:Tails on the Tyne initiative, sponsoring one of the trail’s wonderful Peter Rabbit sculptures which will be unveiled on 15th July somewhere within Newcastle City Centre – so watch this space!

In addition to fundraising, Hay & Kilner colleagues donated their time to support St Oswald’s Hospice, with around 30 people volunteering throughout the year across initiatives including a thank-a-thon and hands-on support in the hospice warehouse.

Hay & Kilner looks forward to another year of fundraising for the new Charity of the Year 2026.

Charity of the year 2026

Following a firm-wide vote, Hay & Kilner has selected Action Foundation as its Charity of the Year for 2026.

Based in Newcastle, Action Foundation supports refugees and people seeking asylum by providing safe accommodation, education and integration services, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives in the North East. The charity plays a vital role in offering practical support and long-term opportunities to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Action Foundation was chosen by colleagues after being nominated and shortlisted through a staff-led process, with the final decision made via a firm-wide vote.

Bethany Herbertson, Associate in the Dispute Resolution team and Chair of Hay & Kilner’s CSR Committee, said:

“Each year, our colleagues nominate charities that are close to their hearts and the final decision is made through a firm-wide vote. Action Foundation was a popular and strongly supported choice, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting those who are rebuilding their lives in the North East. We’re really looking forward to a year of fundraising and awareness-raising and are proud to support a charity that does such vital work in our local community.”

As part of our fundraising and awareness-raising efforts in 2026, a number of activities are already being planned. These include a challenge organised by our trainees, where volunteers will commit to walking 100 miles over the course of a month. This will feature a group walk to Whitley Bay and back,the equivalent distance of a marathon – giving colleagues the chance to come together while supporting a fantastic cause.

We are also planning an event in coordination with the Women’s Lawyers Division to mark International Women’s Day and plan to run a donation drive during Refugee Week to further support Action Foundation’s work.

A spokesperson from Action Foundation said:

“Support from organisations like Hay & Kilner makes a huge difference to our work. Not only does it help us raise vital funds to continue providing accommodation, education and integration services, but it also shines a light on the experiences of refugees and people seeking asylum in our region. We’re incredibly grateful to be chosen as Hay & Kilner’s Charity of the Year and look forward to working together throughout 2026.”

By partnering with Action Foundation, we are proud to support a charity that aligns closely with our values and our commitment to making a positive impact in the region.

If you would like to find out more about Action Foundation or support their work, please visit their website or keep an eye on our updates throughout the year as fundraising activities get underway.

Justgiving page

If you have any questions regarding our CSR activity, please contact Bethany Herbertson, Solicitor and Chair of the CSR Committee.