Charities

Charities

With many years experience of advising both national and regional charities, we can give guidance on all contentious and non-contentious issues relating to both charities and not-for-profit organisations, including constitutional and governance matters, disputes, and day to day operation. In addition, we are happy to undertake trustee training.

We have an established track record across a range of sectors including housing, local authorities, education, agriculture, sport, welfare and youth. Charities for which we act include the ARC Addington Fund, the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Rare Breeds Survival Trust and several housing associations.

We can advise on the following:

  • obtaining charitable status and incorporation
  • formation and administration of charitable trusts
  • mergers
  • amendments to constitutional documents
  • director and trustee duties and responsibilities
  • commercial agreements concerning charities
  • regulatory aspects of charity governance (including fundraising and investment)
  • terms and conditions of grant giving
  • employment
  • legacy disputes
  • intellectual property, IT and data protection matters
  • property including sale, purchase and leasehold

We regularly produce guides, e-bulletins and articles that address the practical problems faced by charities.

One important change on the horizon is the introduction of a completely new legal entity – the charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). We are continuing to keep a very close eye on developments and will be well placed to advise our charitable clients on the best way forward so that those wishing to convert can do so quickly and efficiently.

Legal 500 2011

Wright Hassall LLP’s team’s ‘attention to detail is always excellent and the advice always correct’. The group acts for Castel Froma and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Clients have ‘full confidence’ in Mark Lewis’ advice.

Chambers UK 2012

Mark Lewis is head of charities at Wright Hassall LLP. He specialises in non-contentious work for charities and not-for-profit organisations.
For a no-obligation chat about how we can assist your charity, please contact Mark Lewis.