I advise charities and not-for profits on a range of commercial and charity law matters, including advising on constitutional and governance issues, structures and restructures, mergers, operating overseas and spinning out from local and central government.
I work across a range of sectors and in particular faith-based organisations, public sector services, trade associations and membership organisations, and international not-for-profit organisations.
I lead on advising Muslim charities and not-for-profits in the UK and overseas, and charities operating in the Arab region and Muslim-majority countries. I’m particularly passionate about working with Muslim organisations and the Muslim community having lived in the Arab world for some years where I studied Arabic and Islam.
- I’m currently advising a major international Muslim charity on the formation of overseas branches and subsidiaries around the world Including governance advice around managing the relationships and ensuring the local constitutions reflect the governance arrangements, as well as advising on funding and operating safely in a high risk jurisdiction and advising on managing zakat and sadaqah donations.
- I’m advising a charity on its overseas grant making procedures and related policies Including policies on bribery, terrorism, safeguarding and security of staff, in line with the latest guidance from the Charity Commission and BOND.
- I’ve recently completed the spin out of a music service from a local authority to a CIO This involved setting up the CIO, and preparing and negotiating the transfer documentation, coordinating advice on VAT, pensions, employment, data protection and property issues.
- I have advised on the spin out of a regional theatre from its local authority into a charity
- I advised the Samaritans on the restructure of their 200+ charities across the UK and Ireland
- I advised a charity on an investigation by HMRC into its overseas payments
- I worked on incorporating a number of Hindu temples around the UK, including advising them on their governance structure and drafting their constitutions
- I advised a charity on a constitutional matter where there was threatened legal action by a member
- I advised a charity seeking to conduct research in an area where proscribed organisation operate on counter-terrorism law and related legal issues
- I advised a major international trade association in a review of its governance structure and constitution