The charities, social enterprise and not-for-profit sector in Scotland faces increasing regulatory and financial challenges – you may be experiencing these in your own charity
At Lindsays, we help organisations to adapt and thrive in these conditions, and our experience and skill at this is highly regarded. Charities of all sizes look to us for help on a wide range of legal issues, from trustee training to restructuring, and from employment law to commercial property.
Led by Helen Kidd — one of the few specialists in Scotland accredited in charity law by the Law Society of Scotland — our highly experienced charities team is ranked Tier 1 by Legal 500 UK.
Clients from household names to community groups
Our clients range from well-known charities to innovative start-ups, and from international networks to local community groups and sports clubs. Whether you are a service provider, a grant-making foundation, a philanthropic individual, or a campaigning organisation, we can assist you to achieve your objectives.
A growing part of our work in this sector involves supporting social care providers as they grapple with the delivery of care contracts and employment law issues.
How we can help you
We offer a full range of legal services to charities and other third sector organisations including advice on:
- Setting up a charity and navigating the registration process with OSCR
- Governance issues, including checking if your arrangements are fit for purpose and compliant with regulatory changes
- Constitution drafting
- Individual philanthropy, legacies, and bequests
- Fundraising regulation
- Restructuring matters, from incorporation to OSCR reorganisation schemes, to mergers or winding up
- Regulatory compliance and issues involving OSCR, HMRC, and the Financial Conduct Authority
- Employment law and HR matters
- Real estate projects, both commercial and residential
- Dispute resolution
We also organise seminars and trustee training on key legal issues relating to charities, in particular on governance arrangements.
Shaping the future of the sector
Lindsays is a strategic partner and collaborator with Charity Leadership Scotland (previously known as ACOSVO). We are committed to supporting the organisation to shape the future of Scotland’s third sector by providing its leaders with opportunities to inspire, excel, and develop.
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.
We draw on expertise from across the firm to provide charities and third sector organisations with comprehensive, joined‑up legal support. Our Charities and Third Sector team also includes:
Partner and Head of Employment
Partner, Employment
Partner, Commercial Property
Partner, Private Client Services
Partner, Private Client Services
