United Kingdom - Wales • Private client
Geldards LLP
The 'responsive and friendly' team at Geldards LLP has longstanding sector expertise and remains at the top of the list for many major Wales-based charities seeking advice across the spectrum of their needs and compliance with legislation unique to their status. Team head Harriet Morgan is 'expert in governance regulations', which she implements to good effect on charities-related property matters. Senior associate Bethan Walsh provides 'clear and cogent advice' on charity mergers and formations which she is able to provide in the medium of Welsh, if necessary. Former team head Giselle Davies is also vastly experienced in the field and continues to handle some fee-earning work in her role as a consultant.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'They are competitive and timely in the execution of work.’
‘The team is responsive and friendly.'
'Harriet Morgan is expert in governance regulations and able to provide accurate, efficient advice at short notice.'
'Bethan Walsh provided clear and cogent advice on a merger project involving four charitable companies.'
Key clients
- The Presbyterian Church in Wales
- Arts Council of Wales
- National Museum of Wales
- Assemblies of God Inc
- Natural Resources Wales
- 2 Wish
- Diocese of Llandaff, Church in Wales
- Wales Council For Voluntary Action
- Royal Voluntary Service
- Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation
Work highlights
- Continue to advise Assemblies Of God on all aspects of its operation, including recently on changes to its governing documents, its general governance arrangements including in relation to its AGM, and any ad hoc charity law queries that arise.
- Continue to advise the Diocese of Llandaff, Church in Wales as part of its strategic plans ahead of 2031, when its churches will cease to be excepted charities and thus will be required to register with the Charity Commission.
- Advised Community Foundation Wales on governance and property issues relating to its trusteeship of various trusts, as part of its prominent role in the Charity Commission’s Revitalising Trusts in Wales programme.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Rising stars
Geldards LLP
Bethan works with a wide range of not-for-profit organisations, from new start-ups to some of the largest charities in the country. The organisations she has advised are diverse, including art and culture, education, animal welfare, religion, community regeneration, youth and age, sport and health. Bethan takes time to get to know her clients and build long-term relationships, offering practical advice and supporting them with their strategic aims. She regularly shares her experience and knowledge by writing articles and speaking at seminars. As a charity trustee herself, Bethan has a strong understanding of the issues facing charities in the real world. Bethan works with all types of charities, foundations and not-for-profit organisations, including charitable trusts, charitable companies, CIOs, Royal Charter bodies, community benefit societies, unincorporated associations and clubs. She advises charities and not-for-profits on issues of charity law, governance, charity formations, restructurings, grant-making, fundraising and regulatory engagement with the Charity Commission, Financial Conduct Authority and Companies House. She also advises charities on mergers and collaborations, constitutional concerns, trustee duties, setting up trading subsidiaries and general operation. Bethan also assists with preparing policies & procedures and delivering training for charity staff and trustees.
Leading individuals
Geldards LLP
Harriet is head of the Charities and Third Sector team, a specialist in charity property. She is ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories as a Leading Individual. She regularly advises a broad range of local and national charities on property and governance matters. She also advises on charity structures and incorporations, as well as group structures for housing associations and charities with trading arms. Charities that Harriet acts for include; English and Welsh housing associations, the Royal Voluntary Service, Arts Council of Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, Assemblies of God Churches, and the Church in Wales. Harriet advises churches of all denominations, specialises in Ecclesiastical law, and is the Registrar of the Diocese of Llandaff in the Church in Wales. She advises churches on incorporating to become charitable companies or CIOs, guiding them through the process of registration at the Charity Commission and the transfer of assets, as well as on constitutional and property issues. Harriet’s work in the Housing sector includes advising general needs housing associations on residential and mixed-use developments, social and intermediate rented properties as well as low cost home ownership. Supported living structures and developments are a niche area of expertise.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Harriet Morgan