Charities warned of a ‘trilogy of challenges’ when they attended a legal summit with Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors.

Rising overheads, increased employer National Insurance Contributions and HR changes under the government’s Employment Rights Bills were chief among their concerns.

But they also voiced fears about the growing threat of cybercrime and the weaponisation of artificial intelligence.

The legal update by Ellis Jones’ experts at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth also covered such matters as trustees’ duties, post-Covid difficulties with volunteer recruitment and retention, and consideration of charity insurance and policies.

Ellis Jones, with 178 staff including 25 Partners in eight offices, welcomed representatives from such charities as Bournemouth and District Samaritans, The Tank Museum, Fly Navy Heritage Trust, Macmillan Caring Locally and Lewis Manning Hospice Care as well as others from the Dorset and Hampshire area.

Managing Partner Nigel Smith opened the event, followed by a presentation on Trustees’ Duties by Partner Victoria Riddleston and Associate Chartered Legal Executive Rosemary Drew.

Partner and Head of Employment/HR Services Kate Brooks discussed how impending legislation will change the policies charities are required to have in place. There was also a question and answer session.

Nigel said: “It was very clear that charities face a tough environment with the impact of the cost of living crisis and tightening of the public purse.

“They also face a trilogy of challenges with imminent National Insurance increases for those with employees, changes proposed in the Employment Rights Bills and rises in such overheads as electricity and other utilities.

“Cyber security was also a major issue with some delegates concerned about the threat of clone websites and information theft.

“Despite this, there was a great deal of positivity in the room from charities who continue to perform heroically to make the world a better place and help those most in need.

“At Ellis Jones we are proud to play our part to support to such organisations when they need help, guidance or advice to ensure that they continue to make a difference to society.”

In her presentation, Kate discussed the impact of proposed Employment Rights legislation on recruitment, working practices and HR policies. Kate reminded delegates that new legislation changes are likely, and putting in place policies and reviewing processes ahead of time is good preparation for future changes.

She also highlighted increases to the National Minimum Wage, Statutory Sick Pay and family related pay from April.

Victoria and Rosemary addressed concerns about trustees being held personally responsible for charities’ compliance. They advised that taking out appropriate insurance could offer reassurance to potential trustees reluctant to commit to the role.

They also discussed cyber security as a crucial area for risk management with the threat of clone websites and information theft.

Ellis Jones, a Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners rated firm, sponsors and donates funds to good causes and charities across Dorset and Hampshire.

They include partnerships with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Swanage Railway.

The firm and its people have also supported the Race for Life, Dorset Mind, Julia’s House, the BOWRA Foundation, Veterans with Dogs, Lewis Manning, ABF the soldier’s charity and Soroptimist International’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) Challenge as well as sports clubs, business awards and carnivals.

Ellis Jones offers discounted rates and free health checks of charity documents. Please visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/about/helping-the-community/ to find out more about the support Ellis Jones provides.

PICTURE: SUPPORT: Lawyers from Ellis Jones Solicitors gave charities advice on key issues at a well-attended seminar. Speakers from the law firm, included, from left Head of Employment/HR Services and Partner Kate Brooks, Associate Chartered Legal Executive Rosemary Drew and Partner Victoria Riddleston.