Charities

We were grateful for the detailed guidance and support to make sure that we were fully compliant with the requirements of the Regulator.
Rev Dr Finlay A J Macdonald, Chairman of the Trustees of Iona Cathedral Trust

Charities are facing tough times – the current economic climate means that financial resources are shrinking while the demand for services is growing.

At the same time trustees are under increased regulatory pressure. The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, which created the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), is reshaping the trustee’s role, introducing new duties and responsibilities.

The high profile Rolling Review decision in October 2008 set the tone for this and the OSCR is expected to review the charitable status of all 23,500 Scottish charities by 2014.

We realise that managing a charity is very demanding. Operational matters have caused many to review their charitable and corporate structure. This in turn has led to reviews of their property portfolios including sales of land for development purposes, relocation, new-build or refurbishment to meet changing standards or operational requirements. 

Restructuring has also raised issues about employment and the legal status, or use, of volunteers. OSCR accounting regulations have also presented challenges.

Our charity specialists can help you with all the above issues. Beyond that, as a full service law firm, we can give you access to expertise in many other areas such as corporate, planning, property, construction and employment law. As a result you receive fully-integrated advice for all your legal needs.

For more information please contact Anne Swarbrick.