Charities and Not-for-Profit Sector Solicitors
Charities and voluntary organisations are at the heart of our local communities and are driven by their values. Our Charities and Not-for-Profit team offer innovative solutions to complex social problems. Characterised by diversity and innovation, the charity and not-for-profit sector ranges from small local organisations to large national operations that may be part of a group structure, with mergers and partnerships between charities becoming increasingly commonplace.
Charities are constantly facing new commercial, ethical and legal challenges, and operating an effective charity, voluntary organisation or social enterprise requires commercial efficiency, professional management and strategic planning - as with any good business. Pressures on the sector mean that organisations are constantly looking for ways to adapt to the economic landscape.
While charities must operate within the charity law framework, they do not want to lose sight of their mission by becoming tied up in legal red tape. That's where Rollits can help.
-
They have a personal approach; the team make you feel like you're the only client that they are dealing with.
The UK Legal 500 2025: Charities and Not-for-Profit -
"Rollits have a professional team who respond in an efficient, effective and timely manner. Communication is excellent and this facilitates an appropriate professional relationship and service, which is tailored to the individual needs of the client."
The UK Legal 500, 2023 edition -
"Rollits have detailed knowledge and experience of working with clients in the charity sector, in-particular, navigating legal organisation changes. That experience is applied to provide comprehensive information, to ensure that all options are explained to clients and explored."
The UK Legal 500, 2023 edition
-
- Gerry Morrison
- Partner and Head of Charities
-
- Harriet Wheeldon
- Senior Solicitor
-
- Keith Benton
- Partner and Head of Commercial and IP
-
- Richard Field
- Senior Partner
-
- Ralph Gilbert
- Managing Partner
Our sector experience
Rollits is renowned for its high-quality advice, broad experience and up-to-date knowledge of the legal issues affecting charities and not-for-profit organisations social enterprises. And with tight budgets being a constant pressure, we can offer fixed-fee packages. We have become the partner of choice for some well-known national charities, social enterprises and community interest companies from across the sector.
Our dedicated charities team has experience of working on a wide range of projects for charities delivering public services, and can advise on governance and structural issues, contractual, employment and pensions issues; and for those engaged in trading, we can advise on taxation. We have a great deal of experience in assisting charities wishing to collaborate, whether through joint working or through a formal merger, and are fully conversant with the range of legal structures available. We also advise on joint ventures between charities and commercial partners.
Our charities team has experience of helping charities in regard to finance and fundraising issues, and we regularly assist charity trustees in relation to governance and formation of new charities and trading companies. We also regularly liaise with the Charity Commission with regard to regulatory and consent issues.
Why use Rollits?
Rollits stands out from other charity law specialists by offering a truly comprehensive package of support. Our highly-regarded charities team is well known for its pure charity law expertise, but also has the breadth and depth of knowledge required across all legal areas. We pride ourselves on providing a joined-up and practical approach that is free of legal jargon. We add further value to our services, by ensuring that we stay at the forefront of legal developments.
Our legal experts are regular contributors to leading industry publications such as New Law Journal’s Charities And Appeals Supplement, writing on topical issues affecting the charity sector. In addition, we run an annual charities’ legal update seminar from our York and Hull offices, and can offer in-house bespoke trustee training, seminars or briefings for charity clients and provide regular newsletters for charity clients on developments in the sector. We act for many high-profile organisations for whom we have become trusted partners including Charity Bank, which finances social enterprises, charities and community organisations throughout the UK.
Our services
- Charity Formation, Mergers, De-mergers and Dissolution
- Charity Incorporation
- Compliance with The Charities Act and Regulatory issues
- Charity Trustees’ Legal Duties and Responsibilities
- Serious Incident Reporting
- Monitoring and advising on new legislation
- Trust Law
- Constitutional Matters
- Trading, Fundraising and Taxation issues
- Incorporation
- Joint Ventures between charities and third parties
- Intellectual Property
- Website and ICT issues
- Data Protection and Freedom of Information
- Employment and Pensions
- Commercial Partnerships
- Amendment of Constitutions and Articles of Association
- Charity registration
Get in touch with our solicitors in York and Hull
To speak to one of our experts please call one of our offices in Hull 01482 323239 or York 01904 625790 or simply fill in the form and we’ll get back to you.