Dealing with charity regulators

UK-based charities may occasionally have differences of opinion with the Charity Commission, which need to be resolved.

We have extensive experience in dealing with regulatory disputes, not only with the Charity Commission, but also with the Attorney General and with other relevant public bodies. For example, NHS-related charities may get into disagreement with the Department of Health, or housing associations fall out with the Housing Corporation.

In the US conflicts occasionally arise between a charity and the IRS or the Attorney General for the state in which the charity operates. We have dealt with a variety of disputes between the states' attorneys general and charitable trusts relating to the reformation of charitable trust interests.

Recent work

  • Acting for the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux (CAB) in a Charity Commission investigation into the London East End CAB.
  • Representing a major London synagogue, which was also the subject of an investigation by the Charity Commission.
  • Acting for the RSPCA in connection with a scheme to give effect to a substantial legacy for the purposes of cat welfare.
  • Acting for the trustees of a charitable remainder trust with significant assets in connection with a dissolution of the trust.