Charity Structures

Charities of all sizes are reviewing their structures to become more resilient. We can guide you through the legal and practical issues involved

With so many charities hit by rising operational costs, you may be asking if you can stick with your current structure.

Maybe you want to be leaner? Maybe your membership model no longer reflects how you operate or engage with your beneficiaries? Or maybe you’re wondering about incorporating or merging?

We can look at your current structure, and discuss the outcomes you’re hoping for. Then, we’ll advise on your different options and any regulatory consent needed.

Best practice and healthchecks

If you’re setting up a new charity, we’ll help you structure it most effectively to achieve your goals. And if you’re winding one up, we’ll make the process as straightforward as possible, while also meeting regulatory requirements.

Through a governance healthcheck, we can also identify structural weaknesses you may not even know about.

Are you considering a merger?

In the current tough environment, charities regularly consult us about mergers. They often assume this is their main route to becoming more resilient, but there’s a spectrum of options for joining forces, including:

Contract-based alliances or partnerships
Joint ventures
Group structures
Full-blown mergers

With each route, we’ll explore the pros and cons for your own situation, and the legal, governance and regulatory implications. We’ll listen to your concerns and ambitions, and use our experience to address them. This includes steering you away from pitfalls and unintended consequences.

We’ll also guide you through the due diligence needed when joining forces with other organisations, covering everything from governance and finances to employment law and commercial property arrangements.

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.