Staying in line with the law
Websites and online resources
VolResource’s legal matters page lays out some of the areas of law you need to think about and provides further links and resource
Compliance, one of the ‘tools for success’ from the Centre for Charity Effectiveness’ helps you identify what you need to do to ensure you’re operating legally
Sandy Adirondack’s Legal Updates come directly to you by email. Sign up online or see an archive here.
Russell Cooke’s Charity Legal Updates are clearly written and include useful illustrative case studies. Sign up is free and fast.
The scheme for vetting and barring potential staff and volunteers and accessing CRB checks is currently under review, but you can find up to date information about what your responsibilities are from the Home Office and Business Link. This introduction to CRB checks from Volunteering England is also very useful
Books and publications
The Voluntary Sector Legal Handbook by James Sinclair Taylor and the charity team at Russell Cooke, and edited by Sandy Adirondack is a huge and highly comprehensive publication covering pretty much every aspect of all the laws and regulations you need to follow in order to run a voluntary organisation properly. Highly recommended, though if you don’t want to buy it you may find a copy at your local CVS or library.
Voluntary but not Amateur by Ruth Hayes and Jacki Reason is a concise, well written book for voluntary and community group covering key areas of the law.
Just About Managing? by Sandy Adirondack is a practical guide to management for voluntary organisations.
Keeping it Legal is a Guide for Third Sector Organisations on Public Law and Equality Rights
Bates Wells Braithwaite Solicitors have a range of useful downloadable resources and articles
Support and Regulatory Organisations
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Guidance on tax from HM Revenue and Customs
