How do we support charities and the third sector?
Third-sector organisations are at the forefront of tackling societal and environmental issues. If you run a charity, it’s likely your goals go beyond turning a profit. Not only do we understand this, but we also share many of your goals ourselves. That’s why we offer clear, legal support focused on making a difference. With a knack for governance and third-sector nuances, we can help you streamline your operations and magnify your social impact.
Our expertise in the charities sector
Acting for over 10% of Scotland's 300 largest charities and recognised by the independent legal directors as leading experts in charity law, we are well known for working with charities on regulatory and governance matters.
We advise charities, social enterprises and third sector organisations on the full spectrum of legal matters, whether it involves setting up a charity or charitable trust, providing regulatory advice or advising on data protection compliance, fundraising regulation, governance, tax, intellectual property, marketing and communicating with the public, service users and donors, risk management and safeguarding.
Our team is experienced in assisting with charity re-organisations and helping to secure borrowing or investment, and can advise on joint working arrangements and charity mergers. We are particularly skilled and heavily involved in advising on evolving structures between the public and third sectors, drawing upon combined specialisms of colleagues across the firm in public law and procurement, grants, tax, IPR an data protection, in addition to base charity law and charity regulation.
We are increasingly involved in high-profile charity regulatory and governance matters, key board agenda items such as data protection compliance, fundraising regulation and safeguarding, complex charity structuring involving aspects of tax law, and relationships amongst board members, management and stakeholders.
Our track record speaks for itself
Over the years, we’ve helped government entities, local authorities, and charities achieve success. How?
Beyond our legal expertise, we are known for our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Ultimately, we seek to build relationships that aren’t merely transactional. This approach, along with our extensive experience, has enabled us to play pivotal roles in public projects across Scotland.
Think of us as your strategic partner
We see you as more than a client, which is why we seek to fully understand your needs so we can tune our efforts with your goals. This partnership approach enables us to craft service models that promote growth and meaningful results. By working together, we ensure our solutions not only fit your current needs, but also pave the way for lasting success.
Our lawyers regularly work with international charity clients and social enterprises, both as legal advisers and facilitators. We have a longstanding relationship with the annual Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), championing the potential of social enterprise, strengthening global networks and building capacity and capability across the sector.
Our charity health check service
We offer a tailored charity review to assess current governance matters, as well as your organisation’s policies and procedures. This may identify any gaps which trustees may wish to review (either internally or externally). However, the main aim of the review will be to suggest best practice initiatives to ensure that the charity is meeting its potential and the trustees are fully aware of, and are fulfilling, their duties.
For further information on this service, please get in touch with our team.
