Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Charities and not-for-profit

The team at Lester Aldridge LLP, under the guidance of Lisa Watson-Cook, advises clients in the healthcare, animal welfare, almshouse and sports sectors.

Charities and not-for-profit in South East

Cripps

Cripps offers the full spectrum of support to charities and not-for-profits, advising on governance, formation, incorporation, risk management, investigatory and liability matters. Its experience includes advising clients in the art, education, religion and social housing sectors. The firm can also assist charities on commercial and real estate matters through its broader expertise. The firm merged with PDT Solicitors in February 2024, bringing James Clewlow, Chehraz Fox, Holly Goacher and Ian Lindley into the fold. Kate Arnold heads the practice, with expertise in the commercial activities of charities. Joanna Ford is also noted for her experience in trustee duties and insolvency matters.

Praxisleiter:

Kate Arnold


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Joanna Ford; James Clewlow; Chehraz Fox; Holly Goacher; Ian Lindley


Referenzen

‘It is very well organised and it provides a very good service.’

It is responsive, commercially astute, well run and its people are enjoyable to work with.’

‘The individuals are very good at their job and inspire confidence with the quality and speed of response. They tell you want you need to know, not what you want to hear.’

Kernmandanten

John Lyon’s Foundation


URC Thames North Trust


Yateley Manor School Ltd


The London Diocesan Fund


University of Kent


Canterbury Christ Church University


Goodenough College


EKC Group


Highlight-Mandate


Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow has an expansive charity practice, with experience in the housing, education, religious and health sectors. The firm is also practiced in reputation management for charities going through a crisis. It has additional experience advising private philanthropists. Gordon Reid, whose specialisms include reputational and governance advice, heads the practice alongside Joanna Lada-Walicki, an expert in employment and pastoral concerns. Paul Ridout, who joined the practice from Hunters Law LLP in April 2023, focuses on advising faith-based charities on mergers and constitutional matters. George Shepherd is a key member of the team, advising youth, religious and health charities.

Praxisleiter:

Gordon Reid; Joanna Lada-Walicki


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Paul Ridout; George Shepherd; Helen Harvie; Adam McRae-Taylor


Referenzen

‘Moore Barlow are a full-service charity firm, who provide timely and practical advice.’

‘George Shepherd provides clear consistent advice, on market practice as well as direct legal issues, combined with effective drafting and patient but firm deal-handling.

‘I daily thank the heavens I was introduced to Paul Ridout.’

Kernmandanten

Young Minds Trust


The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women


National Rifle Association


Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance


Boys’ Brigade


Shooting Star Children’s Hospices


Institute of Biomedical Science


Compassion UK


24-7 Prayer


YMCA East Surrey


Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice


The Richmond Charities


Titus Trust


Right to Life Charitable Trust


Reliance Bank


Saint Francis Hospice


Waverley Abbey Trust


Woking and Sam Beare Hospices


Co-Mission Churches Trust


Dr Williams’s Trust and Library


Alfanar


Richmond Parish Lands Charity


Himalayan Trust UK


Help Musicians


Leaders of Worship and Preachers Homes


Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society


Ursuline Sisters Brentwood


Ardonagh Community Trust


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Young Minds Trust on its partnership with Marks & Spencer, anticipated to raise £5m for the charity.
  • Advising a high-profile faith charity on a complex safeguarding investigation including advising on steps to safeguard the charity’s reputation and advising on the charity’s internal policies and employment law issues.
  • Acting for two grant-making charities on multi-million-pound property investment transactions and advising on the merger of the charities.

Blake Morgan LLP

The ‘excellent service’ offered by Blake Morgan LLP’s lawyers spans the spectrum of charity law issues, from governance and risk management to joint ventures and grant-related issues. Its clientele includes charities focused on healthcare, childcare, human rights and emergency services. Leading the practice, Ben Brice advises charities on their commercial projects and joint ventures, as well as any governance and regulatory matters. Gina Cheetham, who joined the firm in January 2023, focuses on advising clients on the registration and constitution of charities and on grant and funding matters. Laura Sherratt is another noted member of the practice, specialising in commercial advice to charities.

Praxisleiter:

Ben Brice


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gina Cheetham; Laura Sherratt; Rachel Sales; Joss Saunders


Referenzen

‘Authoritative and accessible advice is always received in a prompt manner and I have every confidence in the guidance and support given to my organisation.’

‘The individuals are approachable, consistent and provide reliable advice. The team (notably Rachel Sales and Laura Sherratt) are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Ben Brice is excellent.’

Kernmandanten

Action for Children


Association for Project Management


The British Red Cross Society


Cardiff University


ChildFund Alliance


The Guildhall Trust


Global Canopy


Global Witness


London Borough of Waltham Forest


Langley House Trust


The Methodist Church


Oxford Union Society


The Powell-Cotton Trust


Pilgrim’s Friend Society


Solent Mind


St Michael’s and All Saints Charities


Highlight-Mandate


  • Drafted bespoke new Statutes for Linacre College, Oxford, to introduce a smaller trustee board from amongst its Governing Body, with a view to improving governance and reflecting best practice.
  • Advised international NGO, ChildFund Alliance, on the introduction of new governance structures with a view to balancing flexibility of a smaller board with representation from the wider membership.
  • Advised Tricolor Associates in connection with charity law considerations for a project in which the charity wishes to dispose of multiple heritage assets ahead of winding-down.

Blandy & Blandy LLP

Blandy & Blandy LLP are adept at advising charities and not-for profits of all sizes, both regional and national. It advises a broad range of clients but has an established track record in the educational sectors. Other clients range from charities and trusts and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) to social enterprises. Team head Nick Burrows is expert in numerous areas such as governance, formation, incorporation and trustee duties. More broadly, the team advises on commercial matters such as restructurings, mergers and real estate.

Praxisleiter:

Nick Burrows


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jennifer Scott


Referenzen

‘The team are creative, responsive and practical. They look for ways to make things work rather than reasons why they can’t.’

‘Nick Burrows is exceptional. Very responsive, helpful, flexible and knowledgeable.’

‘The service feels so tailored and personal to your needs, the team are always trying to exceed you expectations.’

Kernmandanten

University of Oxford


University of Reading


Ben – Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund


The Hartley Trust


Thames Valley Air Ambulance


Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance


Royal Town Planning Institute


The Almshouse Association


CXK


Career Connect


Adviza


The Glass and Glazing Federation


Pangbourne College


Prior’s Court Foundation


Highlight-Mandate


Brachers

Brachers offers clients a full service of support in the charity sector. It has experience in mandates relating to legacy gifting, regulatory compliance, collaborative arrangements, governance and dispute resolution. The team is led by Sarah Gaines, Christopher Eriksson-Lee and Catherine Daw. Gaines guides clients through property transaction matters whilst Eriksson-Lee’s practice covers governance, re-organisational, trustee duties and compliance issues. Daw is especially adept at employment concerns for charities, including trade union matters and individual disputes. Mary Rimmer is a noted team member advising on charity constitution for new and long-running charities. The firm expanded its property-related charity expertise with the addition of Andrew Harbourne from Gateley Legal in October 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Sarah Gaines; Christopher Eriksson-Lee; Catherine Daw


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mary Rimmer; Andrew Harbourne; Sophie Spellman; Simran Sanghera


Referenzen

‘Professional and responsive.’

‘The firm is responsive and able to provide clients with the right level of support and advice on all aspects of their activities.’

‘We work with a number of different individuals within the firm who all have the specialist knowledge and advice needed.’

Kernmandanten

William Barrows Charity


Charities Aid Foundation Bank


Blackthorn Trust


Kent County Agricultural Society


Brachers Charitable Trust


Tunstall Village Hall


The Sir Percival Griffiths’ Tea Planter Trust


Kent Farmers Benevolent Fund


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for CAF Bank in its secured lending, mainly to charity borrowers.
  • Advising the Kent Farmers Benevolent fund, which provides financial assistance to farmers and their families.
  • Advising Tunstall Village Hall in carrying out an independent review of the Trust documentation including updating the trusteeship and regularising trustees appointment process and the appointment of Brachers Trust Corporation as a professional trustee.

Debenhams Ottaway

Debenhams Ottaway supports regional and national charities through any regulatory and legal issues that may arise. In particular, the firm can leverage its probate expertise to assist charities in securing legacy donations, including where the estate has been contested. Andrew Yates, whilst heading the practice, advises charities on M&A, trustee duties and incorporations. Claire Sharp is central to the team, assisting in trust formation and restructuring. Neil Neil Mercer is another noted member of the team, with special expertise in commercial property advice for charities and not-for-profits in the religious and education sectors. Andrew Spearman is well-versed in the tax aspects of trust constitution and administration.

Praxisleiter:

Andrew Yates


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Neil Mercer; Andrew Spearman; Claire Sharp; Jonathan Foy


Referenzen

‘Debenhams Ottaway have strong market knowledge and are able to deal with complex issues, often having to unpick long and complicated histories in doing so. This I attribute to the diligence of their team and the care they give their work.’

‘Neil Mercer is extremely diligent and clear in his advice to clients, even where having to explain complex issues.’

‘They have the expertise to be able to deal with a wide range of issues very competently. I have always found them to be friendly and helpful and sort issues out quickly.’

Kernmandanten

The Church Lands Trust


The St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance


Youth Talk


Crohn’s & Colitis UK


The Counselling Foundation


Abbeyfield


InspireAll Limited


Hubbard Will Trust


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for The Hubbard Trust, an educational trust established by a Will, advising the trustees on a variety of data protection-related issues and undertaking a contract review exercise related to a proposed change to the supplier of the trust web hosting services.
  • Providing Youth Talk, an incorporated charity helping young people with mental health issues, pro-bono charitable and corporate advice to its CEO on its constitution, trustee duties and assistance on holding general meetings.
  • Negotiated on behalf of InspireAll, a leisure organisation and registered charity that provides community sport, recreational and arts services, regarding 25 leases following a successful bid to run leisure centres in both Hertsmere and Milton Keynes,

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises charities, with a particular niche for education institutions, on all aspects of their operations, from creation to governance to their funding and commercial ventures. The firm is also highly experienced in compliance support related to the use of data. Daff Richardson, whose advice focuses on issues affecting trustees and employment law in the context of redundancies and individual grievances, heads the practice. Chris Shelley assists universities and research institutes on IP licensing and the commercial use of research results. Rachel Spruce’s practice includes advising on the creation of charities and their governance.

Praxisleiter:

Daff Richardson


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chris Shelley; Rachel Spruce


Referenzen

‘The team are expert in their field and provide sound advise and guidance in a timely manner.’

‘Individual, tailored support.’

‘Good client knowledge. Good knowledge of charity law and employment law in particular. Advice is practical and commercial.’

Kernmandanten

I Choose Freedom


Churchill College, Cambridge


Keble College, Oxford


Christ Church, Oxford


Pembroke College, Oxford


Green Templeton College, Oxford


New College, Oxford


Magdalen College, Oxford


Wellington College


The Institute of Leadership and Management


The Pirbright Institute


The Institute for Fiscal Studies


The Licensed Trade Charity


International Headache Society


National Oceanography Centre


Reeds Foundation


CABI


Hearing Dogs for Deaf People


Marine Stewardship Council


The Fire Fighters Charity


Highlight-Mandate


  • Providing bespoke trustee training to the governing bodies of a significant and growing number of Oxford and Cambridge Colleges.
  • Acting as support to the in-house legal team at the National Oceanography Centre – the UK’s leading ocean science charity.
  • Advising the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the UK’s leading independent economics research institute, on its domestic and international brand management and enforcement.|

VWV

VWV provides commercial and charity-specific advice to its clients. It skills extend to advising charities on employment, property, tax and procurement law. The team includes lawyers experienced in governance, regulatory and collaboration matters. The firm’s clients include healthcare, arts, educational and religious charities. Chris Knight is a key member of the team based in Watford.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chris Knight


Referenzen

‘Up-to-date knowledge of the workings of the Charity Commission.’

Kernmandanten

YMCA Trinity


Institute of Cancer Research


Royal College of Surgeons


The Harpur Trust


Royal College of GPs


Society and College of Radiographers


Parish Giving Scheme


London Symphony Orchestra


Soil Association


National Star Foundation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the London Symphony Orchestra on an investment approach involving endowed funds of approximately £9m.
  • Advised Keech Hospice on its merger with another hospice care provider.
  • Advised the Royal College of Surgeons on an extensive and complex series of constitutional changes.

Gardner Leader LLP

Employing an ‘excellent team’ of professionals, Gardner Leader LLP navigates clients through the myriad charity law matters, from the regulatory system to the commercial issues. The firm also assists with policy reviews. Captaining the team, Alastair Goggins advises clients in the dispute resolution space. Penny Wright, having experience in-house with charities, focuses on compliance with charity laws and regulations.

Praxisleiter:

Alastair Goggins


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Penny Wright; Greg Humphreys


Referenzen

‘The Team is very specialised and can therefore call on their varied expertise but, at the same time, give a very personal service’

‘Each member of the team make themselves readily available to deal with the matters raised and advise as to the action required. The partners were particularly helpful in providing advice and assistance’

‘Penny Wright can be relied on to respond quickly to queries and questions and is ably supported by her team and colleagues.’

Highlight-Mandate


Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP is well-versed in contentious matters for charities, especially around probate and legacies. On the non-contentious side, the firm also advises on commercial and employment issues in addition to charity law matters. Spearheading the practice, Angela Bowman is ‘able to handle high-pressure instructions’ in relation to contested wills and trusts. Kevin McCavish specialises in employment advice for leading UK charities in the arts, healthcare and conservation sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Angela Bowman


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kevin McCavish; Suzanne Burrell; Alex Lloyd


Referenzen

‘Angela Bowman is very experienced in trusts and estates matters; she is able to handle high-pressure instructions and is very good at client handling.’

‘There is a vast extent of experience within the team, working with charities for many years. They also understand the varying needs of different size charities, from local hospices to major national charities and balance these when dealing with estates.’

‘Angela Bowman always deals with matters in a professional yet personable way, helping to ensure contentious issues are dealt with in as non-adversarial a manner as possible, retaining the charities’ reputation whilst protecting their interests.’

Kernmandanten

Cancer Research


Macmillan Cancer Support


Parkinson’s UK


The National Trust


RSPB


Dogs Trust


Cats Protection


Blue Cross


The Donkey Sanctuary


The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association


Diabetes UK


Diocese of Westminster


Age UK


Hearing Dogs for Deaf People


Union Jack Club


Canine Partners


St Wildred’s Hospice


Mary Ward Centre


National Lottery Community Group


Centre for Homelessness Impact


RNIB


Highlight-Mandate


  • Drafted and advised on the new suite of template public procurement documentation for the National Lottery Community Fund.
  • Provide ongoing pensions law advice and support to the RNIB Pension Scheme Trustees.
  • Advised the Centre for Homelessness Impact in connection with a Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities-funded project for the provision of systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping services.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore advises regional and national clients in the health, social care and education sectors on the gamut of issues affecting charities, from formation to winding up. Nick Hobden, the head of practice, is reputed for his work in contentious matters within the welfare, social care and education sectors, such as SEN and employment tribunal claims. Douglas Skilton is noted within the team for his disputes expertise, especially around contract, IP and commercial disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Nick Hobden


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Douglas Skilton; Clare Morison; Penelope Edgar


Kernmandanten

Avante Care & Support Ltd


Town & Country Housing


Rivermead Inclusive Trust


Parallel Learning Trust


Skills for Life Trust


St Edmund’s School Canterbury


The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education


The Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School


Birtley House (Kent) Limited


Kent Archaeological Society


St Mary’s Trust


Illuminate Minds Trust


Siri Guru Nanak Darbar


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting on an important project to the local Sikh community, in relation to a project to convert the old Gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent which has lain empty and derelict since 2008, into residential units with a library.

Trethowans LLP

Trethowan’s dedicated charities team is adept at handling governance and regulatory matters, including restructuring, incorporation and trustee duties. The firm can further draw on its specialist expertise in data protection, IP, employment and contentious probate to provide wider advice to its clients. The practice is led out of Southampton by Sarah Humphrey, who is expert in charitable property issues, and Kirsteen Hook is well-versed in advising on governance matters, particularly in the education sector.

Praxisleiter:

Sarah Humphrey; Kirsteen Hook


Referenzen

‘The team working between disciplines is a stand out for me. As matters cross, between governance and property, the solicitors from different departments work together seamlessly.’

‘Kirsteen Hook is sensible, practical and amazingly effective. She turned around problems and found solutions that had seemed impossible.’

‘The team provide excellent support.’

Kernmandanten

RSPCA


The Army Museums Ogilby Trust


Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited


Royal Navy Winter Sports Association


Home Start Portsmouth


The F. Glenister Woodger Trust


Launchpad Social Enterprise


Paint Pots Nurseries and Pre-Schools


MyTime Young Carers


Hawk Conservancy Trust


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing the RSPCA on a number of prosecution matters.
  • Advising on the formation of a new charity formed to advance education in readiness to receive estate funds > £1 million.
  • Advising MyTime Young Carers on steps required (including a Charity Commission order and a cy-pres scheme) to deal with a number of historic complex governance arrangements.