Karen Collins

Supreme Court landmark charity case reaffirms that members of charitable companies have fiduciary duties and can be controlled by the courts and unlocks $440m for UK charity

This morning, the Supreme Court unanimously allowed the appeal brought by philanthropist Jamie Cooper, against a 2018 decision of the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court’s ruling confirms that members of charitable companies have fiduciary duties and can be controlled by the courts, and will lead to the unlocking of $440m for UK charity, Big Win Philanthropy. Jamie …
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Lottery income limits set to boom

After much anticipation, the Gambling Commission has announced that increased lottery income limits for society lotteries will come into force on 29 July 2020. Hannah Lyons and Jess Neville outline the new rules.
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Dispute Resolution FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions While care is taken to ensure the following information is accurate, it is only illustrative. 1. What does litigation mean and what does it involve? 2. What is the difference between litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation? 3. Do I have to become involved in litigation, arbitration, adjudication or mediation? 4. What is the “without prejudice” rule …
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UK visa and settlement option on the way for Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) citizenship

As has been widely reported recently, the UK government has responded to recent Chinese national security legislation by offering a route for people who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship, or “BN(O)”, to live and work in the UK, with the potential to stay here permanently and obtain full British citizenship in due course.  What is …
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Bearing witness in a global pandemic: virtual Will witnessing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced that the law will be changed to allow Wills to be witnessed virtually for the first time. For charities, it is crucial they understand the changes and how it may affect their legacies. Existing law The existing law about Will making is governed by legislation …
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In Kind Direct – providing life’s essentials and caring for those in crisis

In our regular client focus, we look at the work of In Kind Direct and how they have been caring for our communities. In Kind Direct believes that everyone deserves access to life’s essentials and that no usable product should go to waste. We distribute products that companies have donated – such as toiletries, cleaning …
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Build Back Better: Using COVID-19 to accelerate our response to the ecological crisis

The pandemic has been described as a dress rehearsal for tackling the impacts of climate change. Businesses will need to adapt rapidly and systemically in order to mitigate the anticipated disruption and prevent further harms accumulating in relation to both. As Fiona Reynolds, CEO of the PRI Association, recently wrote: “In dealing with the current …
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BatesCast: symbols, slogans and intellectual property in campaigns

When it comes to campaigning on social justice issues, symbols and flags have always played a key role in spreading the message and raising awareness. The CND peace symbol, the rainbow flag, and the Extinction Rebellion logo are all widely recognised around the world.  In this episode, we’re looking at some of the interesting legal …
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Charities and cybercrime

In recent weeks we have heard much about the threat to the public and private sectors from COVID-19-related cyber-attacks. Charities face the same threat. Alan Bryce, Head of Development, Counter Fraud and Cybercrime at the Charity Commission for England & Wales highlights the commission’s work in this area.
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What does the future UK immigration system look like?

The government has announced some additional details of the proposed Points-Based System to be introduced from 1 January 2021. This adds to the information originally published in February 2020 but does not provide all the answers employers and individuals need as yet.  Further information is expected over the course of the next few months and …
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Trustee decision making

Trustees grappling with the challenges of the coronavirus are being required to make difficult decisions quickly. Sophie Cass explores some of the key principles of good decision making.
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Trust Registration Service: Charitable trusts to be exempt from TRS registration

HMRC and HM Treasury have confirmed that charitable trusts regulated in the UK will not be required to register with HMRC under changes to the Trust Registration Service (TRS). Under the government’s proposed regulations, all charitable trusts in England and Wales that are registered with the Charity Commission, or excepted or exempt from registration, are …
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