RadcliffesLeBrasseur has a long tradition of providing services for the charity sector. Our charity team represents more than 140 charity clients, and we are recognised as a leading firm in the field of charity law.
We work closely with the Charity Commission and have an in depth knowledge of the way in which it operates. This experience gives us a real understanding of the environment and culture in which charities now operate and means that we can get straight to what needs to be done in a cost effective way.
Our Charities Group appreciates the issues affecting charities and provides focused, workable and commercial solutions. Our core team comprises 2 partners, 1 associate and 1 assistant specialising in charity law, who offer appropriate advice on the best way to set up and run a charity and guide charities, and their trustees, through the increasingly intricate demands of charity legislation and practice. The wider Group draws on the expertise of practitioners in all areas of law with a particular understanding of the needs of charity clients. Here the wide ranging experience of the firm proves of great benefit to our charity clients in areas such as commercial law, employment and pensions, fundraising and sponsorship, property transactions and dispute resolution.
The following are examples of particular ways in which RadcliffesLeBrasseur can help charities and their promoters.
Charity Formation
The Review of the Register of Charities currently being undertaken by the Charity Commission and the use of its powers to apply and interpret the law following trends in social and economic circumstances is opening up new opportunities for the creation of charities.
A charity can be set up in various ways including as an unincorporated association, a trust, a company or by Royal Charter. We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and recommend the most appropriate vehicle to suit your needs.
As well as helping you to comply with registration requirements of the Charity Commission, we will act on your behalf in the event of inquiries, investigations and appeals.
Mergers and Reorganisations
Over recent years, charities have become increasingly interested in considering the possibility of merger and other forms of collaboration.
RadcliffesLeBrasseur can deal with all the legal and practical aspects of the amalgamation of charities and charitable funds, including issues of employment, property, land and transfer of title.
Fundraising
The increasing competition for funds across the charity sector has led to charities introducing an expanding variety of new and innovative means of raising money. We can advise you on arrangements for appeals and sponsorship agreements and prepare scheme literature and contracts with professional fundraisers.
We will assist you with drafting standard wording for legacies and donations and will advise on the most tax efficient means of fundraising.
Employment Law and Pensions
The area of employment can be a particular minefield for charities, where the use of part-time workers and volunteers can raise their own complications. Our specialists can advise on all aspects of employment law including contracts of employment, policies on equal opportunities, maternity, health and safety, grievance and disciplinary matters, together with termination packages, claims in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal, and all matters associated with pensions law.
Commercial Law and Trading Companies
Increasingly charities need to enter into contracts to fulfil their objects, or to obtain services. We can offer immediate and practical advice on the terms and implications of such contracts.
In some circumstances it may be necessary or advisable to set up a trading company to preserve your charitable status and tax exemptions. We can deal with all aspects of that.
Property
RadcliffesLeBrasseur offers advice on acquisition and disposal of land and all types of occupancy in addition to environmental and planning advice, funding and related tax and VAT issues.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
RadcliffesLeBrasseur has built up a pre-eminent practice in legacy disputes, charitable bequests and general contentious matters involving charities.
We provide a personal, yet highly commercial, service that offers maximum value for the benefit of our charity clients.
International Aspects
Many charities are looking beyond the UK to attract additional sources of income and supporters. We can advise on establishing cross-border operations and compliance with specific jurisdictional legal requirements.
The firm offers a specialist European Law Monitoring Service and can also advise on seeking funding from the European Commission and in other EU member states.
Tax Planning
There are various tax advantages available to charities and we will give you advice on exemptions and reliefs.
You may wish to consider setting up a trading company, thereby allowing profits to be generated for your charity free of tax.