Back
Get in Touch Menu

Trusted by the UK’s largest and smallest charities


We understand the charity sector

Our charity solicitors have a proven track record of working with charities of all sizes and shapes, including not-for-profits, social enterprises, and voluntary groups, as well as some of the UK biggest charities (who have entrusted us with their entire commercial property portfolio).

We’re well-versed in handling a range of complex matters, alongside smaller issues that you need help with.

Because we’ve worked with so many charities, our understanding of the third sector runs deeper than just the technicalities of charity law.  In fact, our charity solicitors team regularly give up their own time to serve as school governors, charity trustees and sit on various committees.

We understand how such charitable organisations work, making us better and more effective advisers.

Many members of our team enjoy ‘trusted adviser’ relationships with senior charity executives and trustees. What this means is that you get more than just a legal partner with Willans; you get a legal partner invested in the success of your cause and your good work.

  • 864+
    Years’ combined
    experience, built since 1947
    Years’ combined
    experience, built since 1947
  • 94%
    Of clients would
    recommend us
    Of clients would
    recommend us
  • 1947
    The year our Cheltenham
    law firm was established
    The year our Cheltenham
    law firm was established
  • 49
    Outstanding rankings
    in The Legal 500
    Outstanding rankings
    in The Legal 500

Some of our recent work in the charity sector

  • Three Counties centre

    Three Counties Agricultural Society

    Three Counties Agricultural Society is a charity whose purpose is to promote agriculture, horticulture and rural enterprise across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

    "As a long-established charity, it’s vital that we work with advisers who understand our history and are committed to helping our rural communities to thrive for generations to come. Partnering with Willans has given us confidence that Three Counties’ legal affairs are handled with expertise, continuity, and a genuine understanding of both the agricultural and charitable sectors."

    David Prescott, Chief Executive of Three Counties
    Read more
  • Fund Gloucestershire

    Fund Gloucestershire

    "Charlotte's expertise in charity law and her understanding of the sector have been invaluable in helping us get to where we are today. Good legal advice is essential, particularly as the Charity Commission’s requirements continue to evolve. We also believe in supporting local organisations wherever we can, which is why we’ve worked with Willans. I’ve also used the firm for personal legal matters, so I know first-hand the quality of the advice they provide."

    Paul Hooper, Fund Gloucestershire
    Read more
  • The Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance

    The Mastectomy Tattooing Alliance supports those with breast cancer, and the BRCA and transgender/non-binary communities, in their healing journey following mastectomy, reconstructive and gender affirming surgery. As well as offering mastectomy and 3D areola-nipple tattoos, Tanya and the MTA provide training to tattoo artists wanting to expand their skillset into medical tattooing.

    "Both Charlotte and Helen were super helpful. Helen’s been brilliant at answering any questions I've had, and she has gone above and beyond to help me as I've navigated learning to run a charity. I felt like she was as passionate about the charity as I am and that she really understood the importance of the work we were doing.” "

    Tanya Buxton
    Read more
  • The Sober Parrot

    The Nelson Trust

    The Nelson Trust is a UK charity that brings belief, hope and long-term recovery to people whose lives have been torn apart by addiction. It supports more than 1,200 people each year from all over Britain and beyond, as well as helping local communities across Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset.
    Read more
  • Seminar

    The Chartered Governance Institute

    The Chartered Governance Institute is a division of the global professional body for governance, which operates under the same name. Previously known as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), the Institute provides qualifications, training and guidance to members and governance professionals all over the world.

    " Willans’ expertise in employment law and membership matters has been invaluable since the firm first undertook work for us six years ago. Their commercial property team has also been a godsend, guiding us through a recent rent review process with great professionalism and ease. Their knowledge of the London commercial rental market is second to none and has made the whole process both speedy and seamless."

    Simon Osborne, ICSA Chief Executive
    Read more
  • Cheltenham Festivals

    Cheltenham Festivals is a charity which produces innovative, world-class content across science and the arts. Its programmes reach out year-round and culminate at the internationally-acclaimed Jazz, Science, Music and Literature Festivals, with the aim of engaging everyone in science and the arts.

    "For over 20 years, Willans’ professionalism, advice and understanding of our organisation have made them a trusted and valued legal partner. Their support has helped us navigate complex challenges with confidence, allowing us to focus on delivering world-class cultural events. "

    Julia Caskey, Director of Finance
    Read more
  • Aerial view of Sparsholt College

    Sparsholt College Hampshire

    The Sparsholt College Group is the South's leading educational institution in the land, environment and animal sectors offering an extensive range of courses, apprenticeships, degrees and part-time courses for adults.

    "Willans have a great deal of not-for-profit sector knowledge and their deep and personal involvement in this gives them added, valuable insight into what we do. They really ‘get’ what we do from the inside out, which makes them very effective as legal advisers for us. The knowledge and expertise of our main Willans lawyer, along with the general approachability of others in the firm, made for a great working relationship and a solutions-focused approach which really delivered for us." "

    Tim Jackson, principal
    Read more

GET IN TOUCH

Our team would love to hear from you

Please complete the form and one of our experts will come back to you about how we can help.

How can we help?

Fill in the form and the right specialist will get back to you shortly.

Fill in the form and the right specialist will get back to you shortly.

Colleagues in the team

Contact us