In 2013, our social investment was worth £19.6 (£16.2 million: 2012). This is equivalent to 1.5% of reported profit before tax. It includes cash donations to charities of £4.9 million and £14.7 million worth of pro bono work based on fees the organisations would have paid for our work. In addition, WPP media agencies negotiated free media space worth £19.8 million on behalf of pro bono clients, making the total social contribution £39.4 million.
The value of pro bono work increased by 31% on the previous year, while charitable donations saw a small decrease of 2%.
Social investment 2009-2013 Excluding value of free media space (£m)
- Social investment per employee (£)
- % of total revenue
- % of profit before tax
Note to chart: Our social investment, the value of pro bono work and charitable donations, increased this year in both absolute terms and as a percentage of revenue and profit before tax.
Total social contribution Including value of free media space (£m)
- Total Charitable donations
- Total pro bono
- Value of free media space
Charitable donations 2013 % and Pro bono work 2013 %
- Arts 6
- Education 20
- Environment 2
- Health 21
- Local community 21
- Human rights 30
- Arts 5
- Education 14
- Environment 6
- Health 31
- Local community 20
- Human rights 24
Note to chart: Our companies supported a wide range of charities and community organisations with a particularly strong focus on those working in the areas of health, local community and human rights.
Value of free media space
£m
£19.8m
Note to chart: Our media agencies negotiate free media space on behalf of charities. This is critical to helping campaigns achieve their objectives.