Charities & Not-For-Profit

Advising clients in the charity sector requires in-depth knowledge of charity and banking & finance law. Our experienced lawyers support clients in securing funding, managing cash flow, and ensuring regulatory compliance. We assist with grant applications, corporate sponsorships, and investment agreements, helping charities and social enterprises navigate complex financial structures. With a clear understanding of charity-specific tax reliefs and exemptions, we ensure that clients optimise their financial strategy in line with sector regulations.

• Acted for an international Roman Catholic order that operates care facilities for older people on matters arising from €27m in secured borrowing from AIB that it used as financial support for its operations in Ireland. This involved obtaining canonical consent from Rome.
• Acted for two charities involved in one of the largest ever Charity Commission and HMRC investigations.
• Advised a FTSE 100 sized company on options to restructure as a non-charitable group.
• Provided advice to charities on fundraising compliance.
• Advised a UK charity in its acquisition (including funding, planning and leasing matters) of a former town hall in London for use as a bilingual school.
• Advised in connection with the planning, fundraising, construction, and maintenance of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London.
• Advised on a £175m bond funding to RP London and Quadrant (L&Q) in order to facilitate their planned building of 16,000 homes for PRS.
• Advising charities as borrowers in respect of bonds issued under the Retail Charity Bonds programme.

Our extensive experience  in charity regulation helps clients mitigate risks and resolve disputes efficiently. We advise on all aspects of charity law, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission guidelines, fundraising rules, and financial transparency requirements. We support clients through audits and regulatory inquiries, providing practical advice on governance issues, trustee duties, and regulatory reporting.

• Successfully represented Cambridge Islamic College in a £5m tribunal appeal against the Charity Commission, which challenged the regulator’s power to direct a change of name.
• Provided governance advice to a charitable care home for former members of the entertainment industry.
• Acted for two charities involved in one of the largest ever Charity Commission and HMRC investigations and negotiating a successful outcome.
• Acted for a charity in an enquiry about conflict of interest.
• Acted for several charities under investigation over fundraising methods.
• Advised on the implementation of the Carlisle Report of Ealing Abbey.

Working closely with charities and not-for-profits on a range of commercial matters, including contracts, agreements, and business operations, we advise on matters such as trading activities, joint ventures, and brand licensing, ensuring that clients achieve their objectives while maintaining compliance with relevant charity law. We offer a commercial, practical approach that enables organisations to generate income without compromising their charitable purpose.

• Advising a leading Portuguese research body on its commercialisation strategy.
• Advised the Imperial War Museum on its IP licensing contracts.
• Acted for King’s College London on the negotiation of an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to provide anti-doping testing for London 2012 Olympics.
• Advised a non-profit gallery and artist studios on the contract drafting and negotiation of a sponsorship/collaboration project with a global technology company.
• Developed for the Medical Research Council a suite of research agreement model forms with accompanying guidance notes.

• Advised in connection with the planning, fundraising, construction, and maintenance of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London.
• Advised Fight For Peace on intra-group IP licensing.
• Advised Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust on a Chinese licensing project.
• General Counsel and Secretary to the Board at the V&A and responsible for providing or sourcing all legal advice to the V&A.

Our lawyers have years of experience in advising charities and not-for-profits on litigation, including disputes over governance, funding, and regulatory compliance. Our team’s practical, commercial approach ensures that charities’ interests are protected throughout the litigation process, whether pursuing or defending legal action. We help clients resolve disputes efficiently and with minimal disruption to their charitable activities, often seeking alternative dispute resolution methods where appropriate.

• Represented an Isle of Man charity in a doleance claim (judicial review) against a planning decision of a Government department.
• Acted for Barnardos, defending a class action claim.
• Represented a Christian charity, successfully resisting a complaint by a counselling and therapist business in a WIPO complaint.
• Advised a national charitable organisation on issues arising with its members and industry bodies in operating a food supply certification scheme.
• Acted for a national hospital charity in numerous inquests, including those involving suggestions of intentional overdose of a patient by a nurse and medical malpractice.
• Advised a charity in connection with a sensitive breach of duty claim.
• Advised Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s leading gardening charity, on various contentious matters at their Wisley Estate in Surrey.
• Settled an inter-church dispute in the High Court.
• Represented Cambridge Islamic College in the Charity Tribunal.
• Represented Fundamental Freedom in the Charity Tribunal.
• Represented many charities subject to a Charity Commission inquiry.
• Advised school fee charities on the largest-ever charity and HMRC inquiries.

Our top-rated team advise on the full spectrum of legal issues faced by schools with charitable status, including governance, compliance, and regulatory matters. We provide strategic guidance on the establishment, operation, and management of schools, advising on constitutional matters, school funding, and safeguarding practices. Advising on charity status, school partnerships, and employment issues, we ensure that schools operate in line with educational regulations while fulfilling their charitable mission.

• Advised a privately owned Roman Catholic school on its sale to a commercial education provider and in particular putting in place safeguards to satisfy canonical requirements to retain the status as a Roman Catholic school.
• Successfully represented Cambridge Islamic College in a £5m tribunal appeal against the Charity Commission, which challenged the regulator’s power to direct a change of name.
• Acted for King’s College London on the negotiation of an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to provide anti-doping testing for London 2012 Olympics.
• Advised the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia on the option of their schools becoming academy schools.
• Advised a UK charity in its acquisition (including funding, planning and leasing matters) of a former town hall in London for use as a bilingual school.
• Advising a leading academic upon the deposit of research materials with the British Library.
• Advised on the creation and registration of New Schools Network, a charity supporting the establishment of free schools.
• Advised the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia on the option of their schools becoming academy schools.
• Acted for York St John University in the 232-room student accommodation re-development of Grays Wharf, York.
• Advised on the creation of School Companies under the Education Act 2002 as umbrella charities to enable schools to share costs and resources.
• Acted for an independent school being hived off from a diocese into a new charitable company.
• Principal solicitor advising Ealing Abbey on the hive-off of St Benedict’s School into a separate charitable company in compliance with The Carlisle Report.
• Advised a university on the amalgamation of its restricted trust assets.

With a clear understanding of employment and pensions law, our team of specialists provide strategic advice on managing staff and pension schemes in charity and not-for-profit sectors. We assist organisations with employment law compliance, including contracts, disputes, and policies, as well as pensions schemes and employee benefits. We understand the challenges faced by charities and offer practical advice that protects the organisation’s charitable mission.

• Large and very complex investigation for a Church of England-related charity involving serious issues of bullying and race discrimination by a director.
• Advised several Church of England dioceses on issues involving priests and performance/sickness issues.
• Acted for a high-profile charity in the exit of a senior executive following very serious allegations of race discrimination. This attracted significant press attention.
• Advised a major armed forces charity on complicated race discrimination and victimisation claims.
• Undertook Employment Tribunal cases for a children’s charity.
• Acted for a leading UK charity for girls and young women.
• Advised a global charity supporting safe water and new development programmes.
• Advised an educational charity in connection with the termination of a consultancy agreement and related matters.
• Advised a charity in connection with an employee nearing retirement.
• Defended a charity focusing on science and technology research on the departure of a consultant and related matters, including a claim for defamation and breach of contract.
• Advised a provider of supported living for people with learning disabilities, on employment issues and TUPE advice as well as defending tribunal claims.
• Acted for a charity defending a claim for unfair dismissal and whistleblowing.
• Advised a charity on the contentious removal of their CEO who had been in situ for 25 years.
• Advised a homelessness charity on a number of complex and connected claims raising religious, sexual orientation and race discrimination, involving Tribunal litigation, mediation and an appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
• Advised a chief executive of a charity in relation to an acrimonious dispute and her subsequent agreed exit via a settlement agreement.
• Acted for a Church of England charity in an Employment Tribunal claim involving allegations of disability discrimination and constructive dismissal.
• Advised a Top 10 UK INGO with the international employment tax implications associated with the ongoing employment of staff outside the UK.
• Advised a large charity on the conduct of consultation meetings with unions and employee representatives and on large-scale corporate reorganisations and outsourcing.
• Advised The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association to a members’ telephone advice scheme to its 2,500 thoroughbred breeder members.
• Advised a charity on employment matters, from TUPE transfers to employee relations issues, including managing sickness absence, handling grievances and advising on disciplinaries and dismissals and I have recently reviewed and updated their policies and contracts.
• Reviewed an environmental law charity and amended their staff handbook.
• Reviewed and amended the safeguarding policy and procedures and code of conduct for a human rights charity.
• Acted for a charity for actors involving a trustee dispute and day-to-day employment issues, exits and a defending tribunal for failure to appoint an individual for a promotion.
• Advised a religious institution in relation to staff disciplinary and grievances, trade union issues, exits, defending employment tribunal claims, volunteers, and safeguarding issues.
• Acted for a synagogue in relation to the dismissal of a rabbi, grievance proceedings and exit.
• Advised a registered charity and global academic institution with a focus on Islamic studies, on immigration matters and a number of projects, including international assignments, overseas working, contractual terms, grading structures, policies, and individual employee issues.

Our team’s extensive experience in providing strategic guidance on GDPR and data protection helps charities navigate the complexities of privacy law. We assist organisations with data handling, processing, and storage practices, ensuring compliance with the GDPR and other data protection regulations. We help charities develop effective data protection strategies, addressing risks and safeguarding personal data to protect both their reputation and their clients’ privacy.

• Advised the Imperial War Museum on its IP licensing contracts.
• Advising a UK research institute upon intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.
• Advised a religious charity on data protection.
• Advised international companies on their GDPR strategy and implementation including an Australian charity with EU operations and a global management consulting and technology firm.
• Advised on technology and data law for an equine sports charity following the sale of the Tote, on how best to respond correctly and appropriately in relation to an extremely sensitive subject access request and updating their privacy notice.
• Provided advice to a children’s charity on their potential data protection risks and implementation of safeguarding policies.
• Advised an international climate charity on its data protection audit, to include managing its internal teams through the data mapping process, researching and drafting transfer impact assessments (to include for India, China and Brazil) and the preparation of data processing agreements with its international partners.

Drawing on our deep sector expertise, we provide guidance to healthcare charities and not-for-profits across a broad range of legal issues, from risk management, governance and compliance to staffing, contracts, licensing and reputational challenges. Our advice is always practical and commercially focused, protecting interests, resolving disputes efficiently, and enabling charities to deploy resources ethically, meet regulatory obligations, and deliver meaningful public benefit.

• Acted for a national hospital charity in numerous inquests, including those involving suggestions of intentional overdose of a patient by a nurse and medical malpractice.
• Advised Style Acre, provider of supported living for people with learning disabilities, on employment issues and TUPE advice as well as defending tribunal claims.
• Acquired a sponsor licence for a South African charity to enable the organisation to transfer its top medical doctors, radiographers and anaesthesiologists to the UK under the shortage occupations.
• Acted for Great Ormond Street Hospital in relation to their corporate sponsorship and partnership agreements to fund the development of two of the major recent building projects. The first with Morgan Stanley, and the second with Whitbread.
• Acted for a leading global charity that supports the health and education of children.
• Advised a charity in the healthcare sector in respect of the trolling of its staff by unknown third parties, relating to unfounded claims of abuse.
• Provided governance advice to a charitable care home for former members of the entertainment industry.

Our highly experienced lawyers advise on all aspects of intellectual property (IP) for charities and not-for-profits, including trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. We assist charities in protecting their brand, content, and creative works while ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Whether managing intellectual property portfolios or advising on licensing agreements, we help charities and not-for-profits safeguard their assets to protect their charitable objectives and avoid legal disputes.

• Advised the Imperial War Museum on its IP licensing contracts.
• Advised The Royal Armouries on IP infringement issues.
• Advising a UK research institute upon intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.
• Negotiated a worldwide, multi-million-dollar brand licensing deal with Reebok for Fight for Peace (a UK/Brazilian charity) and advising on ongoing IP licensing issues.
• Advised the Hampshire Cultural Trust on IP issues concerning its programme of events around the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen.
• Advised the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply on copyright infringement matters.

With specialist knowledge of the legal processes involved in charity bequests, our team of charity and not-for-profit lawyers help organisations manage the complexities of accepting, administering, and using legacies in compliance with the terms of the donor’s wishes. Our strategic support ensures that charities avoid disputes and manage their legacy funds (including bequests, wills, and endowment funds) effectively to benefit their charitable missions.

• Advised Hospice Aid on a legacy webpage.
• Advised charities on legacy tax issues.
• Advised on the transfer of assets from one charity to another for a leading charity.
• Set up family charitable trusts for UHNWs and HNWs and regularly advised the boards and individual trustees on carrying out their duties and on managing interactions with the Charity Commission, grant recipients and other partner charities.
• Drafted constitutional and other documents to set up an environmental charity, educational charity and a grant-making charity, including drafting applications to register the charities with the Charity Commission and advised on Gift Aid income tax relief.

Advising clients on life sciences charity collaborations requires a deep understanding of research funding, technology transfer and ethical regulation, ensuring that not‑for‑profit endeavours meet both legal and scientific governance standards. Our team’s extensive experience helps clients mitigate intellectual property, clinical trial and regulatory risks, whilst structuring collaborations that protect charitable status and support sustainable impact. The result: robust, compliant partnerships delivering meaningful outcomes in the life sciences arena.

• Developed for the Medical Research Council a suite of research agreement model forms with accompanying guidance notes.
• Acted for King’s College London on the negotiation of an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline to provide anti-doping testing for London 2012 Olympics.
• Advising a leading Portuguese research body on its commercialisation strategy.
• Advised a UK research institute upon intellectual property rights in a database of text messages.

Mergers and collaboration in the charity sector require a deep understanding of both the regulatory and operational challenges involved. Our highly experienced lawyers deliver industry-specific guidance on all aspects of charity mergers, from initial structuring and due diligence to post-merger integration, ensuring a merger process that is smooth, compliant with charity law, and protective of the charitable missions and assets of the merging organisations.

• Advised a national charity on its merger.
• Acted for a charity on the acquisition of the assets and obligations of another charity and the extent of the reorganisation required.
• Advised several national charities on mergers including YMCA, Stroke Association UK and Age UK.
• Advised a national church arts and heritage charity on its establishment as a charity and a group of companies.
• Advised a city livery company on a restructuring involving a charitable trust.
• Advised Cirencester Housing for Young People Ltd on its conversion from being an exempt charity to becoming a registered charity.
• Advised The Royal Society for Public Health on its merger with the Royal Society of Health and the adoption of a new Royal Charter and By-laws.
• Advised a non-profit gallery and artist studios on the contract drafting and negotiation of a sponsorship/collaboration project with a global technology company.

Our specialist team of charity law lawyers provide strategic advice on the full spectrum of charity registration, governance, compliance, and regulation. Advising on the evolving regulatory landscape, we assist charities in navigating complex issues such as charitable registration, tax relief, and governance frameworks, offering solutions that support their long-term sustainability and help avoid potential legal challenges.

• Advised on the establishment of The Catholic Sacred Arts Trust, a national charity creating mosaics in churches.
• Advised on the registration of The College of Paramedics as a charity following its grant of a Royal Charter.
• Advised The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) on a revision and update of its Articles of Association.
• Advised The Rosalind Franklin Institute on an update and governance review of its Article of Association.
• Responsible for General Counsel and Secretary to the Board at the V&A and responsible for providing or sourcing all legal advice to the V&A.
• Acted for a Parochial Church Council in a potential £250,000 fraud.
• Acted in the setting up of a trading company for a charity running care homes.
• Acted in the incorporation of a charitable care home to gain limited liability.
• Advised Society of Chemical Industry on the adoption of a new Royal Charter, by-laws and ules.
• Advised on changes to the constitution of The Racing Foundation.
• Advised a charity on the revision of its structure.
• Advised on the governing documents of charities and changing to charitable incorporated organisations.
• Advised on the winding up and establishment of a new charitable foundation.

Our charity and not-for-profit lawyers have significant experience advising not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises on legal structures, funding, and operations. We support clients in navigating the regulatory landscape, offering guidance on establishing new entities, securing funding, and ensuring compliance with both charity and commercial law. We help social enterprises balance their mission with business goals, ensuring they are well positioned for long-term success while meeting their social objectives.

• Advised the National Portrait Gallery on IP issues concerning its exhibition programme.
• Advised the Imperial War Museum on its IP licensing contracts.
• Advised a non-profit gallery and artist studios on the contract drafting and negotiation of a sponsorship and collaboration project with a global technology company.
• Registering STARS Well-being Ltd, a social enterprise for the rehabilitation of prisoners, as a community interest company (CIC).

With specialist advisers on a range of issues related to property transactions, including leasing, purchasing, and managing real estate assets, we assist charity clients in navigating property law to ensure that charitable assets are protected and used in line with their charitable purposes. From managing tenancies to negotiating commercial leases, we offer practical advice that ensures charities maintain flexibility in their property dealings while staying compliant with legal obligations.

• Acted in the joint venture development of an £8M medical research centre and a £4.5M PET-CT scanning centre involving an NHS Trust and a significant cancer charity.
• Advised a major ecclesiastical charity in the conditional disposal and re-development of a London-based Baptist church.
• Acted for a regional hospice charity in the day-to-day asset management of its retail property portfolio.
• Acted for York St John University in the 232-room student accommodation re-development of Grays Wharf, York.
• Acted for the MS Society in the grant, surrender and re-gear of leases of residential care settings and retail outlets.
• Acted for Cirencester Housing for Young People Limited in connection with property matters.

With a deep understanding of the complexities of Royal Charters, our specialist lawyers advise clients on governance, amendments, and compliance with regulatory requirements. We assist organisations in understanding their duties and responsibilities under Royal Charters and navigating the complexities of their operational framework. With industry expertise in the process and legal implications, we ensure that clients maintain compliance while fulfilling their objectives and preserving their charitable status.

• Advised the Society of Chemical Industry on a new Royal Charter.
• Advised on the award of a Royal Charter to Homerton College, University of Cambridge.
• Advised The Royal Society for Public Health on its merger with the Royal Society of Health and the adoption of a new Royal Charter and By-laws.

Safeguarding is a critical issue for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Our highly experienced team provide strategic advice on safeguarding policies and procedures to help protect vulnerable individuals and maintain regulatory compliance. We advise clients on best practices for recruitment, training, and reporting, ensuring that safeguarding measures are effectively embedded in their operations. Our practical guidance helps charities manage safeguarding issues efficiently, mitigating legal risks and reputational damage.

• Advised St Benedict’s Abbey on the implementation of the Carlisle Report.
• Provided advice to a children’s charity on their potential data protection risks and implementation of safeguarding policies.
• Provided guidance to The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association members on child and vulnerable adult safeguarding.
• Reviewed and amended the safeguarding policy for Church of England Central Service.
• Reviewed and amended the safeguarding policy and procedures and code of conduct for a human rights charity.
• Advised a privately owned Roman Catholic school on its sale to a commercial education provider and in particular putting in place safeguards to satisfy canonical requirements to retain the status as a Roman Catholic school.
• Advised a religious institution in relation to staff disciplinary and grievances, trade union issues, exits, defending employment tribunal claims, volunteers, and safeguarding issues.