I have been a charity specialist for over twenty five years. I used to be a Partner in the Charity and Social Enterprise Department at Bates Wells and now I combine updating clients on new legal developments with providing specialist advice on constitutional and governance issues, fundraising and trading.
I have co-written several charity law books and speak regularly at sector conferences.
- Bates Wells Briefing Each week Bates Wells sends out a briefing for charities and social enterprises covering legal, regulatory and policy announcements in the previous week. I compile and edit the Briefing, aiming to highlight developments that could impact on our clients and signpost to resources that may be helpful.
- Fundraising roundtables Hannah Lyons and I organise Bates Wells’ fundraising roundtable discussions. Topics covered so far include: the proposed new Code of Fundraising Practice, and investigations by the Fundraising Regulator. We are always keen to hear suggestions for other topics.
- I regularly advise on the steps corporates must take when running promotions linked to charities.
- I have helped register some of the first charities set up using the relatively new legal form for charities, the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
- I am working with clients, colleagues and through the Charity Law Association to clarify when the Charity Commission expects trustees to seek its consent to refuse or return a donation. This is a live issue as many charities seek to put in place policies on acceptance, refusal and return of donations.