Andrew & Co Solicitors’ charity law specialist Catriona Wheeler, who is also a member of the Charity Law Association, has been involved in a working party tasked with reviewing a new code of practice for the sector.

The charity governance code was originally created in 2005 to help charities strengthen and develop their governance. It’s hoped the new version will act as a tool for continuous improvement for charities of all sizes and has been simplified to make it easier to understand.

Catriona explained: “Currently there are two codes – one for smaller charities and a more complex version for larger organisations. The intention is to amalgamate them into one document that can be used by all charities regardless of their size.

“By bringing both versions together it’s hoped that trustees and senior employees will be able to refer to the code for guidance on best practice, including those charities who are already operating to high standards in governance.

“As a member of the Charity Law Association for over 10 years, I was in a good position to feedback my views on the new draft document as part of the consultation process.”

Catriona, who also practises commercial property law and has a background in corporate law, has over twenty years’ experience of advising charities and their trustees in matters ranging from registrations, mergers, property acquisitions and disposals, contracts, church sharing agreements and corporate governance issues.

She also delivers masterclasses on good governance giving staff and trustees the opportunity to sit back from the day-to-day work of running a charity and think about what they are doing and why, and how they can improve.

“I enjoy working with charities as they are so diverse in nature,” added Catriona. “I find it really rewarding as you feel as though you’re really making a difference – not just to client but the people and communities they support.

“This is the second working party I’ve been involved with and it’s been interesting to see the contrasts between the two. In this instance, I’ve enjoyed being involved at an early stage during the consultation process and helping to shape this important piece of work.”

Ends

Notes to Editors
• Andrew & Co Solicitors is one of the longest established independent law firms in the East Midlands, having been set up in 1832.
• It offers a comprehensive range of legal services to private individuals and businesses across a wide range of sectors including renewable energy, agriculture, personal injury, conveyancing, charity and not-for-profit, family and employment law.
• Andrew & Co has 60 staff based at its offices in on Nettleham Road in Lincoln and London Road in Newark.

For more information, contact:
Kate Strawson
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
Shooting Star
weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540
07733 230293
[Andrew44Charity]