Did you know that 27% of charities registered in Great Britain embody:
- some form of religious belief or
- cultural values which arise from religious beliefs
in their vision, mission or history1.
This is a significant proportion of the charitable sector. To put it into figures, of the 165,226 charities which are registered with the Charity Commission, 44,985 of them are faith-based charities of which Christian based charities make up the vast majority. It is a fundamental requirement that to be a charity, an organisation must provide a benefit to the public or a section of the public and religious organisations are not excepted from this rule. In addition to their moral or ethical framework, faith-based charities provide significant, albeit often intangible, public benefits such as:
- places to pray and worship
- ceremonies
- spiritual and moral teachings
- social cohesion
- conflict resolution;
- caring for the sick and bereavement counselling; and
- the relief of poverty through the conduct of pastoral work in local communities
We, at IBB, can provide the following services to faith-based charities:
- Charity law – advising on your governance structure, changes to your constitution including provisions for approval by third parties to whom you look for spiritual guidance; dealings with the Charity Commission; conflicts of interest and trustee powers and duties
- Employment law
- Property law
- Safeguarding of vulnerable beneficiaries
- Dispute resolution
Charity law experts
For more information on how we can support your faith-based charity or to discuss your requirements please contact one of our charity solicitors today on 01895 207862 or email charities@ibblaw.co.uk. Alternatively please visit: www.ibblaw.co.uk/service/charities.
Notes
1 New Philanthropy Capital
