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“Dickinson Dees LLP’s ten-partner team, led by Ros Harwood, acts for a wide range of charitable and other not-for-profit organisations regionally, nationally and internationally.”

Legal 500 2007

"This is a firm with a great national reputation. It has “strength in depth,” remarked peers, while clients declared: “It services the London market well, they are well-known and impressive."

Chambers 2008

Below you will find details of some of the types of work undertaken by this team. For further details, please contact us.

Mergers / Hive-offs

For those charities considering a merger or a hive-off of a particular charitable activity, we can advise from the outset as to the issues to consider as well as documenting and implementing the merger or hive-off.

Incorporating an Existing Charity

Charities which are established as a Trust or an unincorporated association may wish to incorporate in order to limit the potential personal liability of Trustees. We are able to advise throughout the incorporation procedure as well as drafting the appropriate documents for the transfer of assets to the new charity and winding up the old Trust.

Preparation for Charity Review Visit

The Commission carry out Review Visits (now known as Engagement Visits) per year to charities with an income between £250,000 and £10m. We can assist in reviewing documentation and procedures in advance of the visit and on other related issues.

Starting a Charity

We are able to advise whether a proposed venture is charitable as well as offering guidance on the appropriate vehicle, i.e. Trust or charitable company; and related matters. We are experienced in submitting applications for registration with the Charity Commission.

Amending Government Documents

We are happy to review existing Governing Documents and suggest necessary amendments. Implementing those amendments may require Charity Commission involvement which we can pursue.

Discussions with the Charity Commission

We have a good working relationship with the Commission enabling us to negotiate on our clients’ behalf.

Training

We offer tailor-made training for trustees on their duties and responsibilities as well as updates on developments affecting charities.

Section 8 Inquiries Advice

Where the Charity Commission opens a Section 8 Inquiry, we can advise as to the powers of the Commission, the options (if any) available to the Trustees and liaise with the Commission so that the Inquiry is closed as quickly as possible without the need for a Receiver and Manager to be appointed.