Charity names

We hope you have found our article on the new Charities Act useful. As explained towards the end of last year in our November newsletter, the first wave of changes being introduced by the new legislation came into force at the end of October 2022. The next wave of changes is due to be introduced … Read more …

What are a charity’s reporting obligations to the Charity Commission?

A charity’s reporting and accounting obligations to the Charity Commission will depend on a number of factors including whether the charity is exempt or excepted from registration, whether the charity is a company, the charity’s gross annual income, and the value of the charity’s assets.  (Note that this Article only deals with a charity’s obligations … Read more …

Old register of members

Register of Members – do you know where yours is?

While it’s generally evident who your trustees or directors are, ‘members’ form an all too often forgotten component of charitable companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs). We’re not talking about members in the sense you might be more used to at church, but are referring to it in its legal definition – akin to shareholders … Read more …

Boy on climbing wall

Christian Outdoor Pursuits Trust

A much appreciated gospel partnership   We are immensely thankful to Roger Dix – former trustee of the Christian Outdoor Pursuits Trust (COPT) – and the charity itself for writing and sharing their experience of working with Edward Connor Solicitors (ECS): A potted history Although the Trust was formed in 1981, it was set up … Read more …

hybrid meeting

Beyond COVID-19: Thinking biblically about hybrid church members’ meetings

In response to lockdown restrictions and ongoing concern for people’s health, many churches have been holding their general meetings online – either amending their constitutions to allow for this, or (when it was in force from June 2020 to March 2021) making use of the Government’s emergency legislation. Some churches will have struggled with online … Read more …

fundraising regulator code

What you need to know about the Fundraising Code of Practice

Who is the Fundraising Regulator? The Regulator manages a system of fundraising self-regulation and provides advice to two main constituencies – fundraisers and members of the public. You can find their guidance for those two groups here: Key behaviours expected of fundraisers: guidance for fundraisers Key behaviours you should expect from fundraisers: advice for the … Read more …

Release International Paul Robinson CEO talking to Lebanese woman

Staying True to Calling

Inspired by the testimony and ministry of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand – author of Tortured for Christ – Release International has a vital mission. Working through indigenous church partners in more than 25 countries, they are helping persecuted Christians across the globe through prayer, pastoral help, and practical provision. It’s a hugely important calling, and help … Read more …

child reading bible

A Secure Future

Seeking to provide a secure future for our loved ones is something that we can all relate to.  For many children growing up in less developed countries though, there is no such provision. These children sadly have futures that are far from secure. Fountain of Peace Children’s Foundation UK was set up to provide hope … Read more …

marriage registration

Marriage registration moves online

Please note this article covers legislation changes relevant only to England and Wales. This does not affect marriage registration in either Scotland or Northern Ireland, where a schedule system is already in place for marriages and civil partnerships. Marriage registration moves online The way that marriages are registered in England and Wales has changed. Until … Read more …