insights
Building a lasting legacy for your sports club
The right legal and governance support can help clubs secure their future and continue serving their members and local communities
Charities of all sizes value Connor’s practical legal advice, on issues from trustee training to charitable trading
Connor Barnes is a Senior Solicitor in our Charities and Third Sector team.
He completed his degree and diploma at the University of Edinburgh in 2020 and 2021, and has quickly built his experience of supporting charities, including grant-giving charities.
Connor has a wealth of experience in the creation and winding up of charities, the reorganisation of charities’ legal structures, constitutional and governance reviews, working closely with and assisting grant-giving charities, delivering trustee training, and advising charities on a variety of matters such as trustees' duties and charitable trading.
Recognition
Meet the team
We help charities and not-for-profits stay well run and well protected. From governance and constitutional changes to funding, collaborations and restructures, we give practical advice that supports your purpose.
Who we help
We work with charities, social enterprises, voluntary organisations and the people who lead them, including trustees, senior teams and boards. If you’re balancing impact with increasing scrutiny and tighter budgets, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Insights from Connor
Read article
insights
Choosing a legal structure that works for your charity, not against it
An overview of the main legal structures available to charities in Scotland to support informed decision making when incorporating or considering a change.
insights
Trustees needed: A chance to learn, lead, and give back
Becoming a charity trustee is a rewarding way to give back, develop new skills, and make a real difference in your community
insights
Sentebale enquiry: Key lessons for charity governance
The Sentebale inquiry highlights that robust governance and clear role definitions are vital to preventing public conflict and protecting charity reputation.
insights
Time for a legal restructure? Companies House tightens compliance rules
Companies House has recently introduced new non-compliance penalties as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
insights
Top 5 tips for charity incorporation
Incorporating your charity offers key benefits for trustees and stakeholders, but it's crucial to assess its impact first. Connor Barnes explains why
insights
It’s time to pull out all the stops for charity trustees
Trustees drive innovation through diverse expertise; supporting them with targeted training is vital for board recruitment and charity sustainability.
insights
Charities should not forget the importance of good minute-taking
Boards must treat minutes as evidence of collective leadership, compliance with the 2023 Charities Act, and proactive conflict management.
insights
Charitable status could put your sports club in a different league
Local sports clubs in Scotland face a choice: CASC or Charity status. Charities offer superior VAT benefits for clubhouse construction, while CASCs provide a...
insights
Managing a dominant individual is important for charity boards
New transparency laws and the unified 2025 Charity Governance Code provide the tools to ensure collective leadership over individual influence.
Our people
At your side to provide peace of mind, our people are here to listen and advise in the moments that matter most.
Meet our peopleCharities and the third sector
Our team is here to help you take your cause further with practical, experienced legal advice.
Learn moreLegal strength. Human touch.
At Lindsays, we believe great legal representation starts with real connections. That’s why we put people first in everything we do – working with you, not just for you.
Get in touch