The last two years have seen radical changes in charity law following the implementation of the Charities Act 2006.  Charity trustees are subject to significant duties and statutory responsibilities which in turn are subject to frequent change and refinement, and it is imperative for the proper administration of the charity, and the safeguard of the trustees, that charities are fully aware of their obligations.

Charity law and practice is a key area of Dawsons' client service.  Dawsons' Charity Group can advise you on the many aspects of charity law, in what is an increasingly complex area.

We understand the difficulties and challenges that charities face on a day to day basis, and our multi-disciplined practice areas ensure that we can handle all areas of advice that a charity might require. 

The Service
We provide a comprehensive range of services and advice to charities and individual trustees.  We act for both grant making and operational charities, including large well known charities and private charitable trusts.

The breadth of the service that we can provide encompasses trust and tax advice, property matters, employment issues, and disputes.  Our approach is to provide proactive advice which prevents issues becoming problems.  We are accustomed to working with other advisers, such as accountants, to ensure that all round advice is given.

Our charging rates are competitive, and we understand that charities must balance the advice and assistance that they require in order to fulfill their duties and administer the charity, with the need to protect the funds of the charity. 

Principal areas of work
We can advise on and assist in many aspects of charity law and practice including;

• Obtaining charitable status, and registration
• Incorporation (including the new Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
• Governance
•  Schemes and mergers 
• Trustees' rights and obligations
• Liaising with the Charity Commission/HMRC
• Employment law matters
• Taxation
• Disputes (including mediation and litigation)
• Property matters
• Fundraising