Charity Law & Governance

Recognised by Legal 500 as the only top ranking (Tier 1) charities team in Wales, we work exclusively for over 700 charities and other third sector organisations across the UK. Our clients range from national charities, major religious charities, Royal Charter organisations, charitable trusts, museums, arts charities, community foundations, homeless shelters and umbrella bodies.

We provide support on pure charity law matters, including governance. But we also benefit from the ability to tap into lawyers with charity law knowledge from across the firm’s full-service offering, including property, employment and commercial law. This means we can support you with the practical and commercial advice you need to reach your goals.

Robust corporate governance structures and policies are key to your success – we have the expertise to help you develop and maintain these key policies. This will enable you to take on the challenges you face, and deal with any issues as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We regularly carry out corporate governance reviews either as a stand-alone review or to advise on specific changes following an issue or incident. We also frequently advise on conflicts of interest, board appointment procedures and obtaining Charity Commission consent to any regulated amendments to governing documents. We have in-depth knowledge of the Charities Acts and Companies Act 2006 as well as the myriad of additional legislation that affects corporate governance.

We can also support your trustees to navigate the challenges you face, providing as much or as little support as required. We regularly provide trustee training to numerous organisations on the general duties and obligations of charity trustees.

As pro-active volunteers and trustees in our personal capacities, we are not only experts in charity law, but also have a full appreciation of the issues you are facing today, and will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome.

We are a founding member of the All Wales Charity Governance and Finance Conference. This event is a longstanding staple in the third sector calendar in Wales, with full engagement from the Charity Commission.


Related expertise include: Charity Constitutions & Structure, Charity Mergers & Collaborations, Charity Trading & Operations, Commercial Contracts.

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What clients say

"Both Harriet and Marie stood out in their ability to navigate complex needs in several areas and guide and advise Trustees, who as non specialists, required a common sense approach. Harriet's extensive experience in this area was reassuring and she brings a calm, friendly nature to proceedings whilst maintaining a professional demeanour"

Client Quote

"The team is very experienced and knowledgeable on charity law and the setting up of a new charity."

Charities & Not-For-Profit, Wales, Legal 500 2023

"Needless to say, everything you and your colleagues have done for the Society is very much appreciated....it's taken a huge weight off our shoulders over the past months."

Society for Nautical Reserach

"Thank you for a very useful Trustee training session earlier this week. I’ve had positive feedback from the Trustees, and the newer members and SLT found it to be particularly useful. "

Client Quote

"The team at Geldards took the time to really get to know the Trust, in order to represent us properly they understood our ethos and aims. The Trust felt that this investment developed the client relationship to build confidence in the advice during a very difficult time."

Client Quote

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