We consider the statutory rights attached to pregnancy and whether they apply to volunteers.

On 19 July, the Charity Commission published updated guidance on virtual and hybrid meetings.

A public consultation on the Charity Governance Code has been launched to gather views and feedback to inform a further refresh of the Code.

We’ve trawled the manifestos of the three main parties so you don’t have to, and look at what promises might affect the voluntary sector.

Fake Companies House letters are asking for payments via QR code. We urge clients to stay vigilant and to be alert to these fraudulent requests.

For trustees who may need assistance in updating their governing document or guidance on governance issues.

We caught up with Lizzie to find out more about her work with the Society.

Reflections from our recent senior leadership forum

In this article, we look at the reasoning behind the fee increases and what they mean for charitable companies and social enterprises.

Independent schools face fundraising challenges in a tough climate. Learn best practices for compliant and effective fundraising policies.

What do the latest provisions mean for your charity?

The governance and structure of sports clubs should be reviewed on a regular basis, which may involve considering incorporation.

With the first phase of implementation anticipated on 4 March 2024, we consider the impact the new requirements may have on your organisation.

Identifying the risks and learning how to avoid them.

Will the upcoming general election impact your charity’s activities?

What are the duties of trustees when it comes to political engagement?

What will new Charity Commission guidance mean for your organisation’s approach to social media?

How does the Charities Act 2022 change the rules relating to trust corporations, and why is this important?

The UK Government has launched an open consultation on the taxation of Employee Ownership Trusts ("EOT") and Employee Benefit Trusts ("EBT").

This article covers the changes made in the Charities Act 2022 to the restrictions on dispositions of charity property in Part 7 Charities Act 2011.

Reflections from our recent charity leadership forum.

The new Charities Act became law in February 2022, introducing a wide range of technical changes to charity law which will impact many charities.

Supreme Court rules religious organisation was not vicariously liable for rape by community elder.

The Spring Budget 2023 announced an update to the CITR rules for CDFIs, which could inject significant additional lending capacity into the sector.

The FCA is changing the format of its guidance on its registration function under the Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

When might a society’s registration be cancelled and what are the implications?

Reflections from our recent senior leadership forums.

In this article we have set out some brief updates of interest to the charity and social economy sector.

We’re Right Here is a national campaign aiming to transfer power to communities through a new Act of Parliament.

Government confirms historic changes to the law on co-operatives, which will help to safeguard co-operative assets in the long-term.

A summary of the FCA’s main proposals and what you need to know.

The Charity Commission has announced that access to its online trustee portal (Portal) will be changing gradually from November this year.

Statutory conversion routes provide a streamlined way to change legal structure.

Good governance is crucial to the effective operation of societies – particularly those looking to grow.

Developing an investment policy that takes account of legitimate ESG factors - long awaited legal clarification for charity trustees.

What does the proposed new legislation mean for co-operatives?

ESG is a hot topic but the ‘G’ is often overlooked. We look at what it is and why it’s important for charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

Can an asset-locked society be converted into a community interest company (CIC)?

Reflections from our recent workshops.

Only 52% of applications to register a new charity were successful in 2021-22. We share our hints and tips to maximise your chances.

A look at a recent High Court decision which updates the law on trustees' duties in respect of investment policies and environmental impact.

Five questions to ask.

The Charities Act 2022 became law as of 24 February 2022.

Legal advice and assistance for working men’s clubs.

Reflections from our recent Senior Leadership forum.

Considering whether unincorporated associations need to take action before the deadline.

Reflecting on the Backbench Business Committee debate, 14 Dec: the contribution of co-operative and mutual societies to the economy and public life.

COP26 was a crucial moment in the fight against climate change. TCFD reporting is an important part and something all organisations ought to plan for.

Reflections from our second Senior Leadership Forum.

The effects of The Payment Services Directive

This article aims to summarise the most important parts of the Subsidy Control Bill (the “Bill”) following its publication on 30 June 2021.

What can charities learn from the high profile collapse of the Kids Company?

Have higher education courses during the pandemic offered students good value for money?

The Information Commissioners Office (“ICO”) has published its decision to fine the charity Mermaids £25,000 following a data breach.

Where changes to your charity have occurred rapidly, ensuring good governance and strong policies and procedures is vital.

Government updates guidance to reflect step 3 of the roadmap for easing restrictions.

The UK Government has recently announced an update to its Home Building Fund which could be of great use to community led housing projects in England.

Draft bill excludes community housing leases from new rules prohibiting the charging of financial ground rents on new, long residential leases.

Community land trusts could take on a central community role in a post-Covid world by providing co-working spaces.

Representatives will often find themselves faced with agreements or contracts to sign, including sponsorship, advertising, coaching or marketing.

This article looks at the ‘Coming Home’ Report, recently published by the Church of England addressing the current housing crisis in this country.

New proposed measures continue debate on free speech on university campuses.

Review of the Government’s response to Law Commission recommendations for reform.

Students’ unions that want to incorporate this summer need to start the process now.

The impact on UK’s data protection regime and steps UK charities need to take to ensure personal data can continue to flow across UK-EEA borders.

Out with the old and in with the new…Brexit, the new subsidy control measures, and what they mean for your charity.

A closer look at your charity’s obligation to prepare and file annual accounts.

A closer look at your charity’s obligation to prepare and file an annual report.

A closer look at your charity’s obligation to file an annual return.

At Wrigleys Solicitors, we have been at the forefront of the community-led housing movement for over thirty years.

The Wrigleys’ charities and social economy team is delivering a series of webinars this autumn.

Laurel Sleet and Daniel Lewis have been offered permanent roles.

Court case confirms that members of charitable companies are fiduciaries and owe duties as such. We look at what this means for charitable companies.

We look at how students might request grading information from schools and colleges following results day and how to deal with such requests.

A court case has confirmed that members of charitable companies are fiduciaries and owe duties as such. We look at what this means for academy trusts.

It's now over two years to the month since the biggest change in data protection law for a generation.

The recent ECJ judgment in Schrems II has shaken up data sharing arrangements outside the EEA. We look at the impact of the decision on charities.

This article touches on governance, charity law and conflicts.

This article explains the legal requirements that come with exempt charity status.

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act is currently being considered in the House of Lords and is expected to become law later this month.

In this article, we look at some of the limitations of the B Corp model in improving corporate responsibility.

How can the Covid-19 epidemic offer an opportunity to reshape capitalism towards a kinder, more inclusive economy?

Why are criminals using international students and what can students' unions be doing to raise awareness and protect students?

How can charities ensure they continue to be financially sustainable during the Covid-19 pandemic?

What happens next? Here are our recommended steps.

For charities and social enterprises.

Executing contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many employers are facing extremely difficult decisions in the light of the Covid-19 restrictions and are working hard to find solutions.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a "black swan" event and lockdown, social distancing and self isolation are the immediate consequences for individuals.

Active risk management is a key duty of charity trustees. The Covid-19 pandemic is an example of a risk arising.

The law offers contracting parties limited relief from contracts when they become difficult or impossible to perform.

Charities and social enterprises are grappling with how to manage meetings in this new era of working life.

An update for charities and social enterprises.

Are you a social enterprise looking for free legal support? We are pleased to announce the launch of our new legal clinic for social enterprises.

The impact of the FCA's new rules on what they term 'Speculative Illiquid Securities'

Establishing a new cohousing community

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published a response to the consultation on a new statutory scheme.

Fiona Wharton joins the top tier Charities and Social Economy team.

Employers need to have a clear non-discriminatory reason for action when dealing with religious expression

Charity Bank is inviting trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities and community organisations to sign up for their free event.

The ICO has taken action against British Airways under the GDPR. We look at the facts of the case and implications for charities & social enterprises.

Key aspects to bear in mind when offering volunteering and work experience

Consultation raises the prospect of greater company compliance requirements in future

Marie-Louise Hamilton has been appointed managing partner and will start the role in May 2019.

Assessing the implications of an absence of affordable housing for teachers, and considering how schools' surplus land could provide solutions.

Suggested response for community-led housing groups on the consultation paper – submissions due by 10 March

The Government is consulting on the way small generators are paid for electricity they export to the grid –what is proposed, and what does this mean?

The sector is under fire again. What is being done and what can you do?

The recent Social Housing Green Paper "a new deal for social housing" has some interesting points to note in relation to community led housing.

What do charities need to consider to demonstrate responsible management?

Date: Wednesday 4 July 09:15 – 16:45 Venue: The Stoller Hall, Manchester, M3 1DA

What are the possible pros and cons of using the new process to convert your charitable company to a CIO?

This article sets out a summary of the community rights and powers introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and how they can be used by community groups.

The implementation date of 25 May 2018 for the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) is fast approaching.

At 484 pages, it is quite a read, so we have summarised some of the key points below.

Is this Memorandum of Understanding a sign of serious action to come?

The HMRC Trust Registration Service has now been launched and will require all trusts with UK tax liabilities to be registered.

Unfair hidden ground rent costs on new builds has hit the press recently. We consider the effect on community-led housing groups using leaseholds.

Wrigleys are pleased to announce 4 promotions in the firm's Leeds office.

Was a job applicant with Asperger's Syndrome discriminated against by being required to sit a psychometric test? Yes, held the EAT

The #LeedsBigLunch will be taking place in Victoria Gardens, Leeds (opposite the art gallery and library) between 12pm and 2pm on Friday 26th May 2017

A quick recap of the key rules relating to political activity by charities, in the run up to the 2017 election.

Charity Commission finds ‘basic and serious mismanagement’ by the trustees in selling land for £15m less than it was worth.

Community-led housing & other organisations welcome a common sense decision that business rates may not be payable during significant building works.

Members of community led housing groups could find themselves having to meet SDLT liabilities earlier than expected.

Local Planning Authorities ('LPAs') will be obliged to prepare, maintain & publish registers of brownfield land suitable for residential development.

The Supreme Court has today handed down their judgment in the case Ilott v The Blue Cross and Others (previous incarnations known as Ilott v Mitson)

In her article for the changesu.org blog, Laura Moss looks at the advantages and disadvantages for students' unions of incorporation.

An article for community led housing groups featuring a link to HMRC's SDLT calculator and a summary of potential traps

In a report relevant for academies and maintained schools, an ICO investigation concluded that charities had breached the Data Protection Act.

The Court of Appeal confirms the status of almshouse residents

Local authorities now have a statutory duty to meet local demand for self build and custom build. Groups should register for land in their area.

Q. What do Charity Commission powers, social investment and fundraising have in common? A. They all feature in the Charities Act 2016

Wrigleys Solicitors are pleased to welcome Duncan Milwain, Lucy O'Reilly and Kasim Ahmed to its Leeds office.

A brief look at recent charity law and company law developments which are of relevance to independent schools.

Wrigleys is pleased to announce 3 promotions in its private client and charity property teams.

In this article, we consider the wider implications of sexting on children, teachers and parents.

The new regime came into force on 6 April 2016. Download our free briefing note for guidance.

Community groups may end up paying a higher rate of stamp duty when buying a residential property.

How will the new rules on reporting pay statistics for men and women affect larger independent schools?

When might a member of school staff be making a disclosure in the public interest and so be protected under employment legislation?

What are the key factors leading to the increased cost of employing school staff?

What should be considered before dismissing school staff who have been employed for less than two years?

What are the likely effects of a Brexit on those UK employment laws of most relevance to the independent school sector?

What do bursars need to know about the taxation of payments to employees on the termination of their employment?

Handling negative comments, complaints and criticisms about the school or staff made on social media can be a minefield for the leadership team.

Recent reports have highlighted the difficulties schools face when parents become involved in these disputes.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that an employer was "vicariously liable" for the actions of its employee in an unprovoked attack on a customer.

An employer who reasonably believed that an employee was lying about his symptoms was entitled to find gross misconduct.

Sylvie Nunn and Laura Moss weigh up the legal and practical considerations.

A recent Employment Tribunal case highlights the need for schools to be aware of the possible duty to make reasonable adjustments for dyslexic staff.

Schools hold large amounts of personal data relating to pupils and staff, which makes them particularly vulnerable to data breaches through hacking.

Respond to the consultation on changes to SDLT before 1 February 2016.

A recent case resulted in a £2 million fine to the landowner following the death of a boy critically injured whilst trespassing.

On conversion, local authorities often provide schools with their asbestos reports. Unfortunately these reports are sometimes inaccurate.

As a charity, occupying and using school premises for school purposes, academies are entitled to an 80% reduction in their business rates.

This article considers the options for holding shares in an EO company and considers the pros and cons for both 'direct' and 'indirect' ownership.

Amendments to the Finance Bill introduced this week will mean the end of certain tax reliefs available on investments in community energy projects.

Wrigleys celebrates another successful year for its trainee recruitment process, and welcomes Trusts and Estates specialist solicitor Kieran McIvor.

Natalie Johnson considers how the CC's role has evolved during the era of austerity.

The latest in a line of cases causing problems for fully mutual housing associations and cooperatives. Emma Ridge gives guidance on the issue.

A group of our staff cycled 40 miles across the Yorkshire hills, between the Sheffield and Leeds offices to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act arrived with little fanfare but there are points to note for the company secretary.

Are you caught by the new duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism?

Wrigleys were delighted to have the opportunity to contribute an essay to this report commissioned by ActionAid and New Philanthropy Capital (NPC)

Are you caught by the new duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism?

Friday will see thousands of people across the globe spend a working day volunteering for good causes in their local community

Wrigleys welcomes the arrival of Laura Moss to its charity team and Alexandra Hempsey to its commercial property and education property teams.

Wrigleys have supported the Dementia Action Alliance to produce a free booklet to help those living with dementia & their families.

Albany Pumps, an international business based in Gloucestershire and with a site in Yorkshire is celebrating becoming employee owned.

Wrigleys have been recognised as one of the Top 25 Private Client Law Firms in the UK.

Dementia Friends Champions Charlotte Buckley and Amy Slinn have held Friends' information sessions for 96 people at Wrigleys...and counting!

The UK Cohousing Network invited Wrigleys to deliver a webinar for groups interested in Co-housing.

We are delighted to share the news that Matthew Wrigley received the Presidents' Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.

This article looks how charities can help in the battle against climate change by "divesting" from fossil fuel companies.

Here is a short guide to finding some key information on the new government website.

Wrigleys is supporting Remember a Charity in Your Will Week 2014 by giving away Remember a Charity chocolates in our reception throughout the week.

A new service will allow developers, including co-housing groups, to make enquiries about any plot of land easily, and well in advance of purchase.

Wrigleys Solicitors are pleased to welcome four senior lawyers and their first apprentice.

Social Investment Tax Relief ("SITR"): what is it and what can it do for you?