Ellis Jones experts help local charities

On 29th January our experts in Trustees’ Duties and HR & Employment Law held a seminar for local charities to consider and discuss the challenges in the sector, whilst also networking and making connections. 

After guests arrived and mingled between themselves and with our experts, our Managing Partner, Nigel Smith gave an introduction about the difficulties that charities have faced attaining and retaining volunteers since the Covid 19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, as well challenges due to new legislation coming in with the new government. 

Representatives attended from Bournemouth and District Samaritans, The Tank Museum Limited, Fly Navy Heritage trust, Macmillan Caring Locally, Lewis Manning Hospice Care, along with lots of other charities local to the Dorset area.  

Nigel’s introduction led nicely into a presentation on Trustees’ Duties given by Partner & Solicitor, Victoria Riddleston and Associate Chartered Legal Executive, Rosemary Drew where they discussed how recent legal rules surrounding Trustees being personally liable for their decision making has led to a difficulty in finding and recruiting Trustees and how insuring against any risks can be beneficial to charities ensuring they can find and keep Trustees. Cyber security was another key area that was discussed by Victoria and Rosemary as a crucial thing for charities to consider in the modern age as the threat of clone websites and stealing of information poses high risks of reputational damage and legal consequences. 

There was time for questions and then a refreshment break. Guests asked for advice for specific scenarios, such as, what to do if workers refuse to only work from their work email address and use their personal email address? Our experts advised that robust policies were key to answer a lot of these types of questions, as having policies holds workers accountable and keeps rules firmly held in writing.  

This was followed by Partner, Solicitor & Head of Employment/HR Services, Kate Brooks’ presentation on HR & Employment Law where Kate discussed how legislation coming from the new government would change the policies charities are required to have in place and impact the way they recruit and implement flexible working and other work benefits aside from increasing pay.  

Kate wrapped up by reminding guests that until new legislation is passed and details are confirmed there is no need to panic, but putting in place policies and reviewing processes ahead of 2026 is good preparation for any changes due in the future. 

Victoria, Rosemary and Kate reminded guests that we offer discounted rates for charities and Kate can also offer a free health check of documents for charities. 

Thank you to all of those that joined us for our seminar, if you are part of a charity you can request to hear about our future events.