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Governance to Growth Roadshow Following the success of our fully booked event in Perth last year, we am delighted to announce the 2026 Governance to Growth roadshow! Collaborating once again with Rathbones for Charities, and delighted to welcome TrusteeConnect as a joint organiser, we will deliver a series of free to attend Charity Leadership Afternoons…
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We have published our first Legal and Regulatory Update of 2026, which is now available to read online. Read the Legal and Regulatory Update – February 2026 This edition highlights a number of significant legal and regulatory changes taking effect during 2026, alongside key governance matters, all of which are likely to require active consideration by charity trustees…
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Specialist charity law advice to help you decide. Many Community Interest Companies (CICs) in Scotland are now reconsidering whether their current structure is still the best fit for their long‑term goals. A key driver is funding: CICs often find it difficult to access grant funding, much of which is more readily available to registered charities.…
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Sarah Brown Charity Law WS and Rathbones Investment Management are delighted to bring this joint event to Perth. Bringing together expert speakers to address the challenges charities face today—and help them plan confidently for the future. Join us on Thursday 2nd October at Perth Art Gallery for an insightful and practical afternoon tailored for charity trustees, chief executives, and senior…
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On 30 June 2025, a significant legislative development came into force in Scotland with the introduction of the Record of Charity Mergers, maintained by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). This new statutory mechanism has direct implications for testamentary charitable gifts. Private Client Solicitors and estate practitioners may find it helpful to be…
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We are currently offering a combined governing document review and trustee training package to support Scottish charities. This offer includes a review of the charity’s governing document alongside a bespoke training session, designed to give boards clear, tailored guidance on their legal duties and governance responsibilities. What’s included: This is a charity specialist lawyer-led, interactive…
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Last updated 11th June 2025 From 30th June 2025 charities should start submitting their charity trustee information to the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). You can read OSCR’s announcement here: OSCR | Mark your calendar: Get ready to submit charity trustee information from 30 June 2025 From 31st August 2025 the new rules on automatic disqualification will come into force. You…
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In the coming weeks OSCR will be asking charities to submit details for each of their charity trustees. To help charities prepare for this, and the other important changes that will be introduced this year, I have created a practical guide incorporating a checklist with recommended steps to take now. You can access it here:…
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The Scottish Government’s recent announcement that it will introduce regulations to raise the audit income threshold for Scottish charities from £500,000 to £1,000,000 later this year is undoubtedly beneficial and long overdue. This is excellent news for many organisations as it will alleviate a significant administrative burden and potentially allow more funds to be directed…
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New Identity Verification Rules for Directors and Company Officers Significant changes are coming this year regarding the verification of the identity of directors, company secretaries, persons with significant control (PSCs), and those submitting filings on behalf of a company. These updates are aimed at improving transparency and security within corporate governance. Voluntary Verification from April…
