Specialist legal advice for co-operatives, community benefit societies and mutuals

The trustees of all charities (whether registered, excepted or exempt) have a duty to ensure that their charity is managed responsibly and in line with their trustees’ duties. They have a responsibility to ensure the charitable activities they are involved in are properly planned and executed. This can include developing policies and procedures to govern how they help others in need, how they carry out fundraising campaigns, how they manage charity’s finances and any other duties or actions related to achieving the charity's objects. Crucially, they must comply with all applicable legal requirements and take legal advice when needed.   

When it comes to excepted charitable status, this is where we can help. We have a long track record in advising on whether a charity is excepted, where the benefits include the exception from registering with or submitting annual returns to the Charity Commission. We analyse the relevant legislation and Charity Commission guidance and consider a charity’s particular circumstances before confirming whether the charity is excepted, exempt or must otherwise be registered with the Charity Commission.  The sorts of charities which might have excepted charity status include some churches, some students’ unions and some scout and guide groups.