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Home > About the GLS > GLS Departments > Charity Commission

Charity Commission

The Charity Commission is established by law as the independent regulator for charitable activity in England and Wales. The Commission fulfils this role to promote the public’s trust and confidence in charitable activity by:

· enabling charities to maximise their impact;
· ensuring compliance with legal obligations;
· encouraging innovation and effectiveness; and
· championing the work of the sector.

Work of the Legal Team

All charities work within a complex legal, accounting and governance framework. The source of the framework is a combination of statute and common law. Understanding the complete legal framework requires not only charity law knowledge but a wide range of legal skills from trust and company law to human rights; from contract to disclosure.

Unusually for a regulator, the Commission has quasi-judicial functions, and may, regarding a number of its powers, exercise the same jurisdiction and powers as are exercisable by the High Court. In addition the Commission has administrative and inquiry powers which it exercises in accordance with its principles of regulation. The Division’s input is integral to ensure that all these powers are exercised inter vires and proportionately.

The Division’s twenty two legal advisors provide specialist legal services to the Commission’s four sites delivered through three legal functions:

· Policy Advice provides the principal legal support to policy development.
· The Legal Framework and Compliance and Governance functions advise on the Commission’s operational work encompassing a wide range of charity issues.

All legal advisors undertake legally complex operational and policy casework. The Division also provides a legal advisory service to the Commissioners and the Board on issues including Freedom of Information, data protection and procurement. It also plays an active part in the administrative and strategic development of the organisation. Legal advisors hold senior roles within the organisational structure; their responsibilities include the provision of internal training, participation in project boards and recruitment boards.

The Division aims to maintain and develop legal expertise in charity law and practice; act as legal resource for the Commission; and contribute to the development of relevant law and policy.

Qualified Lawyer Vacancies

Vacancies for posts in the Commission are advertised in the legal press and are provided to the GLS for circulation.

Location

The Commission’s legal advisors are based in London (9 legal advisors), Liverpool (6 legal advisors) and Taunton (6 legal advisors). The Newport office’s legal support is provided from the Taunton office.

Further Information

For further information:

Visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk

Or contact:

Kenneth Dibble (Director of Legal Services)
Harmsworth House
13-15 Bouverie Street
London EC4Y 8DP

Telephone: 020 7674 2375
E-mail: kenneth.dibble@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk