This week we continue to take a look at the key issues affecting charities and some more of the great funding available to them. We also take a step back and consider ways in which charities can get creative to help their communities. There’s even time to look at the inspiring story of one veteran who has captured the imagination of an entirely new army of loyal supporters!
The latest on furlough and pensions
Furlough continues to be a key issue this week. The Employment team at Anthony Collins Solicitors have had a busy Easter period unwrapping Government’s latest furlough guidance – and plenty of chocolate!
You can read their latest briefings - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Treasury Direction and Update guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retentions Scheme - on our website. These include important information arising from the latest Treasury directive for employers utilising the scheme, as well as a breakdown of some of the latest Government guidance on it. The team have also prepared some practical pensions advice for employers.
Business Secretary suspends wrongful trading rules
Trustees of incorporated charities should be familiar with their duties where their charity is facing financial turmoil. Trustees who allow their charity to continue trading when it is insolvent or facing unavoidable insolvency may be committing ‘wrongful trading’ and could be held personally liable for losses.
However, to relieve some of the pressure on trustees in these uncertain times, the Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, has announced the temporary suspension of the ‘wrongful trading’ rules. The suspension, once it comes into force, would apply retrospectively, from 1 March 2020, for three months.
Whilst caution should still be taken as all duties continue to apply to trustees of incorporated charities through this time, the announcement provides some welcome relief. We will be providing further guidance once the new legislation is introduced.
More funding to support charities
Like last week, we have highlighted some more of the funding available to support charities financially through this time. Here are a few of the highlights from this week:
Your charity needs YOU!
With economic uncertainty changing the face of charitable giving for charities, many people are finding new ways to give back.
99-year-old veteran, Captain Tom Moore, completed his target of walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday. Captain Moore captured the nation’s hearts and has raised over £15 million for charity...and counting!
Though social distancing measures mean that many traditional fundraising methods are not possible, social media and technology provide charities with an opportunity to fundraise in new, creative ways. For example, did you know that, for a small processing fee, Charities Aid Foundation can host an online donation portal for charities?
Social distancing brings church communities together
Social distancing is not going to stand in the way of some churches giving back. YourNeighbour.org has set up a helpline to connect people with local church organisations, whether it be for a friendly chat or to help with shopping, prescriptions, advice or pastoral support. If you are a church charity, apply to get involved.
If you would like more details about anything in this newsletter please speak to or email your usual ACS contact, or contact Safa Murad.
Safa is a Solicitor in the Charities and Social Business team. She advises organisations on a broad range of governance and legal issues including incorporation, mergers and disputes. Safa has been involved in local and national community organisations from a young age and is now a trustee of the University of Leicester Students’ Union where she was also a student some years ago!
Luton Borough Council was prosecuted by the HSE late last year following an incident at a high school in which an assistant headteacher was attacked by a pupil and left with life-changing injuries.
This ebriefing looks at the proposal to set out 'public procurement principles' in the proposed procurement legislation.
Happy New Year - our first newsletter of 2021! Throughout this year we will continue to bring you news and developments relating to the charities sector.
Local authorities should be wary of reserving contracts for local suppliers, as recommended by Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 11/20. Other contracting authorities may want to maximise their use of this
Most housing practitioners have perhaps been waiting for this news since the latest lockdown was announced by the Prime Minister on 4 January 2021.
Climate change and biodiversity is an area where significantly faster changes are needed on a global and local basis.
Chris Lloyd Smith, Adrian Leonard and Lisa Whitehouse discuss the planning opportunities available to owners of businesses and how to prepare for unforeseen events.
In their 3rd podcast of the series, Chris Lloyd-Smith and Maria Ramon discuss a number of problems with and difficulties that can arise in mediation and the mechanisms they use to overcome them.
Our previous round-up began by sharing the news that two vaccines had shown very promising test results. Here we are, not even a month later, and the first vaccines have already been administered!
The Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated that there is great resilience and innovation in the housing sector across Greater Manchester, it has also brought shortfalls and other priorities sharply into foc
To receive invitations to our events, as well as information and articles on legal issues and sector developments that are of interest to you, please sign up to Newsroom.