Charities
We have a real knowledge of the issues surrounding charities, the education sector and not for profit organisations generally. A number of our lawyers are active participants in the day to day management of organisations in these sectors.
Our charity related services range from start up and registration, constitutional issues, advising on compliance and governance issues, assisting with trustee training and induction, fundraising and trading arrangements, mergers and disaster recovery.
We recognise the hugely important role played in the South West economy by charities, educational establishments, non-for-profit organisations and the increasing significance of social enterprises, where providing real benefits for the community is more important than generating personal profit.
We are highly experienced in establishing new organisations and where appropriate obtaining charitable registration. We also take time with our clients to ensure that the most appropriate legal structure is used for each new organisation.
Many existing organisations have outdated or inappropriate constitutions and legal structures and we can assist in updating these, and, where appropriate, incorporating the organisation to give the benefits of limited liability and separate legal personality for the organisation.
Once an organisation is properly established our team regularly advises trustees on ensuring that they adopt appropriate governance procedures and structures to ensure the organisation is run effectively. We regularly make ‘in house’ presentations to trustees on legal issues to assist with trustee induction and training programmes.
We regularly advise organisations on commercial agreements, fundraising and trading arrangements (including the establishment of trading subsidiaries) as well as employment matters, property issues and transactions and dispute resolution issues.
We recognise the vital importance of risk management and can assist organisations in establishing and maintaining risk management strategies. When disaster strikes, our team is highly experienced in assisting the trustees in handling the situation and ensuring correct procedures are adopted, where appropriate to the satisfaction of the Charity Commission and other regulatory authorities.
We also recognise the increased frequency of charity mergers and transfers of operations between charities as organisations look to ensure that the services and benefits they provide are carried out as effectively and efficiently as possible. We are highly experienced in guiding trustees through the complex processes involved in mergers, asset transfers and subsequent dissolution or charities.
Chambers 2008 commented: Clients observed a firm which is “adaptable and performs to a high level.” An area targeted for growth by the firm, charities are given advice on their establishment, constitutional matters, employment and commercial arrangements among other areas.
For intial advice, please contact:
- James Evans on 01392 685243
- Richard Coombs on 01752 675022
- Bruce Holt on 01872 243349/56
