Two years on from the first lockdown, there is now hope that we are getting to the other side of the pandemic - and this helps focus minds on what the future holds.
Our lawyers at Lindsays, with our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee, are working with organisations across the third sector to help them map their path out of the pandemic.
Getting the fundamental right
Highly-respected specialists in charitable affairs are currently advising on a range of issues, many of them fundamental to life shaped by the legacy of the pandemic.
Helen Kidd, Partner and Head of our Charities and Third Sector team said: “Every charity, trust and social enterprise we work with has their own particular challenges -or indeed opportunities - as a result of the events we have seen in the past year.
“What’s common to them all, however, is that it’s those who are well organised, properly structured, prepared to face sometimes difficult decisions and embrace change who are in the strongest position.
“Good governance underpins everything in the charitable sector. The critical need for charities to be well-run, legally sound organisations can never be overlooked. Coronavirus has highlighted that.
“Strong strategy, innovative leadership and well-informed professional advice to support all of this has never been more important, allowing the consequences of all actions to be properly considered.”
Among the areas in which our lawyers - both third sector specialists and those from other areas - provide advice for charities are:
- setting up a charity
- governance
- constitutional issues
- restructuring
- employment matters
- property.
Equipping your trustees
We provide seminars and trustee training on a variety of legal issues relating to charities, particularly on governance arrangements.
“There has rarely been a more important time to ensure that trustees are properly prepared and briefed to meet the challenges that charities face.
“There is no way to avoid major issues triggered by the effect of Covid-19, chiefly the impact on fundraising and the implications that has for all areas of an organisation’s operations.
“Discussions about restructures - or even alliances and mergers - with other charities are very real. Sound legal advice is vital in all of these areas to ensure the most appropriate, best-informed actions take place at the right time.
“Life has changed in many ways as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. For charities, many of the changes will be permanent. Good governance is essential for helping ensure they are well handled and effective.”
Want to find out more?
If you would like support regarding your specific situation, please get in touch with your usual contact at Lindsays or a member of our Third Sector team.
Third Force News published this article in April 2022.
