Not for profit and charities
Charities have come into much sharper legal focus due to significant changes in legislation and the increasing role they are playing in the delivery of public services. Ensuring good governance and legal adherence in the charity’s operations is of key concern to trustees.
Our specialist team advises national, regional and local charities, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, membership organisations, community groups, schools and colleges, churches, welfare and professional associations.
We understand that each organisation has a unique culture and individual challenges. We provide specialist advice which delivers your strategic objectives.
What we do...
We advise across all areas of charity law including charity formation, amalgamation, dissolution and restructuring (using existing legal powers or by a Charity Commission Scheme), governance (advising on good practice and problem solving, charitable donations and grants), how they should be applied or administered, the scope of any conditions or restrictions and whether the proposed use is charitable and maximising charitable tax reliefs.
We work in conjunction with over 400 lawyers – from commercial and employment to property, tax and litigation; our lawyers provide a one-stop solution for all your legal needs.
We are experienced in establishing and advising charities associated with large companies and organisations in the private sector for their corporate charitable fundraising, staff fundraising and grant making.
Our team regularly advise public bodies who interact with charities and so need to understand how they operate, the regulatory regime they are subject to and the scope of their powers and functions. We also advise charities associated with the public sector, where they are formed to take over service provision from Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and NPDBs.
We work in partnership with our specialist education team to advise schools and educational charities on the creation, running, reorganisation and winding up issues with a client base of over 1000 organisations.
We advise faith charities on the creation of new charities and advise on responsibilities for existing trustees, alms-house charities on modernisation of governance arrangements, expansion, acquisition and disposal of properties as well as working with established national charities regarding their ongoing operational issues.
We advise across all areas of charity law including charity formation, amalgamation, dissolution and restructuring (using existing legal powers or by a Charity Commission Scheme), governance (advising on good practice and problem solving, charitable donations and grants), how they should be applied or administered, the scope of any conditions or restrictions and whether the proposed use is charitable and maximising charitable tax reliefs.
We work in conjunction with over 400 lawyers – from commercial and employment to property, tax and litigation; our lawyers provide a one-stop solution for all your legal needs.
We are experienced in establishing and advising charities associated with large companies and organisations in the private sector for their corporate charitable fundraising, staff fundraising and grant making.
Our team regularly advise public bodies who interact with charities and so need to understand how they operate, the regulatory regime they are subject to and the scope of their powers and functions. We also advise charities associated with the public sector, where they are formed to take over service provision from Local Authorities, NHS Trusts and NPDBs.
We work in partnership with our specialist education team to advise schools and educational charities on the creation, running, reorganisation and winding up issues with a client base of over 1000 organisations.
We advise faith charities on the creation of new charities and advise on responsibilities for existing trustees, alms-house charities on modernisation of governance arrangements, expansion, acquisition and disposal of properties as well as working with established national charities regarding their ongoing operational issues.
Our expertise
Featured experience
International company
Advised the directors of an international company on the establishment of a new corporate charity and its registration with the Charity Commission. The governance of the charity was a delicate balancing act between providing the company with sufficient input to the charity to maintain a high level of confidence in its operation whilst maintaining the charitable independence required by the Charity Commission.
Non-departmental public body
Advising an NDPB on its conversion from a government-owned body to a national charity.
Non-departmental public body
Advised a non-departmental public body in relation to their conversion to charitable status. We advised on the selection of a preferred option for governance, charitable, employment, property and funding issues and then implemented these.
Longstanding alms-house charity
Advising a longstanding alms-house charity on ongoing governance issues including the adoption of CIO status. In particular, we advised in relation to a complex proposed property acquisition and development of a property owned by a party connected to two of the trustees which required the involvement of the Charity Commission.
Key contacts
Nathalie Jacoby-Danesh
Partner
What others say...
"Regulatory requirements incisively and accessibly presented."
"One of the best events I have attended. Specific to our sector, highly relevant and informative. Highly recommend."
"Interesting, informative, invaluable for new and more experienced trustees all delivered in a relaxed but purposeful manner."
"A must for any trustee of a charity - great collaboration, learning of best practice, interactive and professionally run."
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