We have a deep understanding of the particular requirements of Royal Charter bodies, learned societies and membership organisations, and provide specialist legal advice and support on key issues including governance, membership, employment, property and commercial issues.
We act for Royal Charter bodies, learned societies and membership organisations ranging from professional membership bodies and umbrella organisations to medical Royal Colleges and education charities. We support them with day-to-day matters and strategic projects, providing specialist legal and regulatory support to enable them to adapt to social, economic and cultural changes whilst retaining their important traditions and individual characters.
We understand that our clients operate with complex governance arrangements in often highly regulated sectors, and that the membership plays an important role. We regularly advise clients on a wide range of governance matters and often work alongside governance consultants to advise clients on large-scale governance reviews.
Our expertise includes petitioning for new or supplemental charters, advising on process (and providing necessary resolutions), drafting amendments to Charters, Ordinances, Bye-Laws, Regulations and Rules and other governing documents, liaising with the Privy Council Office where necessary, and advising on restructuring membership arrangements.
We recognise that our clients exist within a commercial world and we have specialist lawyers in departments across the firm who provide advice on property, commercial contracts, IP, data protection, disputes (including legacies), reputational matters (including serious incidents), tax, and employment.
We are sensitive to the pressures faced by our clients and work hard to partner with them, building long-term relationships, and working closely with trustees and senior leadership teams to ensure effective delivery of each project.
Our Experience
Advising the UK Cyber Security Council on obtaining Royal Charter status
Birketts’ Charities Team has advised the UK Cyber Security Council on its transfer to Royal Charter status, following which it made its first awards of Chartered Cyber Security qualifications in October 2023. The vision of the UK Cyber Security Council is that the United Kingdom should be one of the most secure places anywhere in the world to do business in cyberspace
Royal Astronomical Society updated its Royal Charter and Bye-Laws
Birketts’ Charities Team has advised the UK Cyber Security Council on its transfer to Royal Charter status, following which it made its first awards of Chartered Cyber Security qualifications in October 2023. The vision of the UK Cyber Security Council is that the United Kingdom should be one of the most secure places anywhere in the world to do business in cyberspace.
Royal Entomological Society
Birketts’ Charities Team provides day-to-day advice to the team at the Royal Entomological Society on various matters including trustee duties and decision-making, charity law, data protection and fundraising. We also support the Society on bigger projects such as advising on international agreements and property matters. The team has developed a deep working relationship with the Society’s senior management and is proud to act as a professional partner to the Society, supporting its strategic aims.
Key Contacts
The Royal Entomological Society started working with Birketts LLP in 2024. The team had extensive experience and understanding of working with an organisation with a Royal Charter. Our initial work involved our teams meeting so that Birketts were able to really understand what we do and our future strategy. This has already enabled them to support us in a number of areas. They have a fantastic attitude, are very personable and we are looking forward to working with them moving forwards.
Simon Ward Mem.Res, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Entomological Society