
A party seeking to restrict another's commercial activities must consider whether such terms are normal in similar, factual and contractual circumstances.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector can be accessed here.
Trustees’/Members’ meetings
The Commission recognises a key issue for charities at this time is how to hold meetings given the current guidance from the Government. It has said where there is no provision in a charity’s governing document to hold meetings digitally, but if the trustees hold their meeting over the phone or using digital solutions “we will understand but you should record this decision and that you have done this to demonstrate good governance of your charity”.
It also states “the Government’s health advice may lead to some charities having no choice but to decide to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings”. It goes on to say “if as trustees, you decide it necessary to do so, you should record this decision to demonstrate good governance of your charity. This is particularly important if it is not possible to hold your AGM, which may make it difficult for you to finalise your annual report and accounts”. Where the situation impacts on getting accounts and annual returns to the Commission they say charities with an imminent filing date can call them on 0300 066 9197.
Reporting serious incidents
The Commission has confirmed, “it is ultimately the responsibility of the charity trustees to continue to report serious incidents using our current guidelines, and we will continue to ask trustees to use their judgement in deciding whether an incident is significant in the context of their charity and should be reported to us.”
The Commission’s guidance on reporting serious incidents can be found here.
Filing charity annual returns during the coronavirus pandemic
Any charity that needs an extension to their annual return deadline can contact the Charity Commission to ask for one by calling its contact centre on 0300 066 9197 (open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm). The full note can be found here (updated 26 March).
If you have any queries arising out of the Commission’s guidance or any other matters affecting your charity at this time please feel free to contact Edwina Turner or Esther Campsall.
Our regulatory team are also available to assist in responding to incidents, which may require reporting to the Charity Commission or are subject to investigation by other Regulators. For further advice, please contact Tim Coolican.
A party seeking to restrict another's commercial activities must consider whether such terms are normal in similar, factual and contractual circumstances.
This ebriefing considers the Government’s proposals for challenges, as set out in Chapter 7 of the Green Paper entitled 'Fast and fair challenges'.
We’re delighted to announce that we have been ranked in the top five national legal advisers in the Top 3000 Charities 2021 directory.
The Law Commission published its report on Technical Issues in Charity Law in September 2017 following a public consultation.
Changing charitable purposes and amending governing documents.
One of the stated aims of the Green Paper is “to deliver the best commercial outcomes with the least burden on the public sector".
The proposals concerning dynamic purchasing systems (DPS) and framework agreements are the most disappointing aspect of the Green Paper.
Family team partner, Elizabeth Wyatt, is delighted to congratulate Kadie Bennett for attaining Resolution Specialist Accreditation in both children law - private and complex financial remedy matters.
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