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Welcome to the October 2015 edition of our Charity &

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Social Enterprise newsletter

Charity & Social Enterprise Spotlight Newsletter Welcome to the October edition of Spotlight. This month, there are a number of new laws in place which may affect your charity – either immediately or in the next 12 months – and so we hope the articles will keep you up to speed with what you need to know.

Laura Giles has produced some information on the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which includes a requirement to report on actions taken in relation to the prevention of human trafficking. This legislation may be applicable to some larger charities, and so it is worth checking to see what it is you need to do to meet the new requirements.

On a similar theme, Lauren Mitchum takes us through the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations – a must read if you act as a landlord as these regulations are already in force, and need to be complied with immediately.

Following on from Myles Taaffe’s popular article on minute taking, he takes us through some recent changes at Companies House in relation to director information.

We couldn’t let this month go past without at least mentioning fundraising! Clive Vergnaud takes a look at the latest position and some of the more innovative methods that charities are using to raise much-needed funds in this difficult time.

Useful publications

If you are considering a property construction project, the updated “Stone King Ready Referencer for Charity and Education” is now available. It includes changes in law, such as public procurement regulations as well as reflecting a wider variety of projects and funding. On that theme, we have produced a survey report of construction projects provided by delegates at our recent seminar. If you have any questions about your construction projects, please contact Julia Davenport-Cooper.

Stone King have also produced a guide to the changes in consumer protection legislation which can be downloaded here.

We would like to recognise the contribution of our clients and colleagues to help make the world a better place by celebrating National Trustee Week 2015 2 – 8 November.

And finally…

For a more informal look at the week’s news in relation to charities, check out Vicki’s Views – the Stone King Charity blog.

Vicki

The Modern Slavery Act and its implications for businesses and charities Before the parliamentary hiatus in May 2015, one of the last pieces of legislation to be put on the statue book was the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Modelled on a piece of Californian legislation, this Act is designed to extend government powers to tackle human trafficking and forced labour within the UK. Part of the legislation is intended to encourage businesses operating in the UK to take a more active role in the prevention of modern slavery: which is seen to include any form of servitude, forced labour, or the movement of people working against their will.

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There’s no smoke without fire To combat the number of injuries and deaths caused by smoke or carbon monoxide in the private rented sector, the government have issued new regulations – the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (“Regulations”).

Read more

Fundraising - Reserving Power to Regulate These are hard times for fundraising charities. Demand for charitable services is on the rise but donors and donations are on the decline, and the recent media furore affecting the fundraising sector

Why Companies House doesn’t care about your Birthday…or Eye Colour Exploring the new method of registering directors.

has not helped one bit. The Etherington review says there is “public concern over intrusive

or

aggressive

fundraising

methods”; indeed, a BBC poll revealed that 52% of donors who give regularly to charity

feel

“pressurised”

by

fundraisers. Confidence in the sector is On 26 March this year the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (the “Act”) was passed. The Act deals with a range of issues that affect charitable

companies

including

the

method of registering new directors (trustees for charity law purposes).

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at an all-time low, prompting the Government to consider making further amendments to the reserve power to make

regulations

in

relation

to

fundraising in the Charities Act 1992 (as amended by section 69, Charities Act 2011), presumably to give itself the means of intervening to punish what it considers

are

unduly

aggressive

practices.

Read more

Upcoming Events

12.11.15 - Governance and Company Secretary Forum - Session Focus: Charity Annual Reporting 26.11.15 - Bath Volunteer Centre – Trustee

Network

Focus

On

Fundraising

View all upcoming events

If you have any queries or for further information on Charity issues, please contact Vicki Bowles by email VickiBowles@stoneking.co.uk or telephone 01225 326789.

Š Stone King LLP 2015

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This publication is for guidance only. The law and practice referred to has been paraphrased or prĂŠcised and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice.

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