insights
Top 5 tips for your charity’s constitution
A charity’s constitution underpins everything it does. Here are five key areas trustees should consider when drafting or reviewing one
Charities turn to Debbie for her practical, solutions focused advice and her strong experience in governance, transactions, and regulation
Debbie McIlwraith Cameron is a Director in our Charities and Third Sector team, bringing extensive experience advising charities and voluntary organisations across Scotland.
Before joining Lindsays, Debbie spent 11 years with Turcan Connell, where she was a Senior Associate specialising in charity law. She has developed wide-ranging expertise, with particular strengths in constitutional reviews and updates, mergers and transactional matters, governance, regulatory compliance, fundraising regulation and trustee training.
Debbie’s work spans the full lifecycle of charitable organisations, advising on structural changes, operational governance, and the evolving legal landscape affecting the sector. She has a strong interest in the continued development of charity regulation to help shape best practice while supporting organisations that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
As part of Lindsays’ full-service offering to charities, Debbie works closely with colleagues across employment, property, and legacy management to provide comprehensive guidance tailored to the needs of organisations of all sizes.
In addition to her legal practice, Debbie is a charity trustee and an active member of the Charity Law Association. She is committed to ensuring that charities are equipped to navigate both obstacles and opportunities through clear, practical, and strategic legal advice.
Highlights
- Appointed vice-chair of the Lawscot Foundation in 2026 having been a trustee since 2024.
- Advised on the introduction of a corporate trustee within an existing complex structure for risk and pension liability management.
- Advised on the Scottish elements of fundraising regulation, including fundraising agreements and commercial participator agreements.
- Providing bespoke training and chairing panel sessions on topical Scottish charity law issues.
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 Debbie
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Charity trustees and whistleblowing protection: the latest position
Trustees are expected to speak up when concerns arise, but what protection do they have for doing so?
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Top 5 tips for charity mergers
Charity mergers require careful planning and consideration at every stage to ensure a smooth, effective transition and long-term success
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Finding strength in voice through leadership, influence, and collective presence
Why clear communication and shared influence empower charity leaders to drive meaningful change
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Top 5 tips for charity trading subsidiaries
With the right structure and oversight, trading subsidiaries can strengthen a charity’s financial resilience and support long term impact
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.
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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.
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