The response to the pandemic - from the rapid mobilisation of self-help groups and established charities supporting the vulnerable in their communities, to seeking to ensure global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines - has reminded us that the voluntary, community and social enterprise (“VCSE”) sector generally meets a wide range of need, but that it also does so much more: it contributes to civil society, campaigns for change, realises potential and celebrates the heights of human achievement.
We still face the climate and ecological crises as well as increasing disparities of wealth and opportunity which all require fresh thinking and approaches. Charities provide the “what” and the “why”; the charities team at Shoosmiths helps with the “how”, in meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Challenges to the VCSE sector
Charities and other not-for-profit organisations continue to need support in:
- ensuring they go about their work in the right way, in accordance with their values;
- making the most of the resources they already have;
- securing more funding;
- protecting their brand and reputation;
- limiting their expenditure; and
- managing their risks.
The pandemic has accelerated action on environmental, social, and governance issues and has led to greater investment in partnerships to address complex problems facing all of us, such as the re-integration into society of the marginalised. These partnerships are not only collaborations between charities and other social enterprises, but also with the commercial world, arising from the fact that the support central and local government provides is constrained by public finances.
Legal advice to charities
Shoosmiths has over 170 years track record of working with businesses, individuals and now charities to provide cost-effective, solutions-based legal advice.
Our solicitors act for national, regional, and local charities, offering specialist expertise in a wide variety of areas ranging from legacy disputes and legacy administration, charity law, governance and regulation, employment and pensions, real estate, tax, the protection of brands and IP and the procurement of goods, services and technology; through to niche specialisms including advertising and fundraising, privacy and data issues, and collaborative research. We are steeped in the sector’s fast-changing realities and continually bring fresh thinking – and valuable industry insights – to the sector with our regular webinars, updates and roundtables.
Your client relationship partner is a constant point of contact and counsel, who will listen to what you need from your advisers and tailor our team’s service delivery accordingly. Lawyers experienced in advising charities will be selected specifically based upon your requirements, working seamlessly across locations and disciplines; clients frequently comment on the collaborative way in which Shoosmiths teams operate.
We’ll provide the right advice with the right resources when you need it, all delivered in a responsive, personal, and cost-effective way.
