Department profile
Moore Barlow LLP

Charities

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Moore Barlow LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Moore Barlow LLP

Our specialist Charities team works with a ride range of local and national organisations, advising senior leaders and trustees on the legal issues affecting their day-to-day operations and on their wider strategic plans.

Our approach is to build long-term relationships, taking the time to understand your charity, your people and your purpose – so that we can work alongside you effectively to achieve your desired outcomes.

We are known for our friendly, accessible and responsive approach. We deliver practical advice in terms you can understand. We will offer a view, without sitting on the fence.

We enjoy a good working relationship with the Charity Commission and have excellent contacts with a range of other professionals who support charities, such as accountants, investment managers and surveyors.

Recent highlights include:

  • Securing the registration as a charity of the Live Trust, a transformative new funding initiative aimed at keeping live music at the heart of communities across the UK by collecting levies from ticket sales for stadium/arena concerts and applying them to support grassroots music venues and those who work in them.
  • Advising a maritime heritage organisation on a legal structure to secure the integrity of a nationally significant collection of artefacts recovered from historic wrecks.
  • Advising the Boys’ Brigade on the sale of its headquarters to Witherslack Group for £5.25m.

Clients (11)

  • Young Minds Trust
  • Wonderseekers
  • Help Musicians
  • Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
  • Shooting Star Children's Hospices
  • Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth
  • Institute of Biomedical Science
  • Compassion UK
  • 24-7 Prayer
  • Chichester Harbour Trust
  • Woking Hospice

Industries (5)

  • Charities/Not-For-Profit
  • Faith Based Organisations
  • Independent Schools
  • Almshouses
  • Hospices

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Charities - UK-wide

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Moore Barlow provides a comprehensive range of advice for national and international charities. The team largely handles governance, transactional and structural matters, including areas such as fundraising, mergers, regulatory, property, registration and employment. Moore Barlow also has expertise in youth charities alongside regularly dealing with the Charity Commission. Another facet to the firm's practice is handling cross-border charity mandates.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Moore Barlow secured the registration of the LIVE Trust, a new charity dedicated to supporting the future of the live music industry in the UK.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I was overwhelmed by the care and service the Charities department gave to us. They worked with us through each stage giving excellent advice on time and fitting the bill each time.

    Charities respondentUK
  • An excellent charity team covering a number of specialist areas and with considerable experience of working with charities.

    Charities respondentUK
  • They have excellent knowledge of charities. We have worked with Moore Barlow for a number of years and they have got to know our organisation in depth.

    Charities respondentUK
  • Moore Barlow have been able to offer us timely and high quality advice. Their awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing our charity was a key point of strength when we appointed them.

    Charities respondentUK
  • They have always been quick to respond and their level of service has always been excellent.

    Charities respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Gordon Reid
    Band 4Gordon Reid

    Gordon Reid

    Gordon Reid frequently assists charities with both transactional and contentious matters. He is also noted for his knowledge of governance and operational issues impacting third-sector organisations.
    • I have been very impressed with Gordon's client care and the team he has assembled.

      Charities respondentUK
  • Band 4Paul Ridout
    Band 4Paul Ridout

    Paul Ridout

    Paul Ridout is a lawyer in the charities team based in Moore Barlow's Guildford office. He regularly assists cultural, healthcare and faith-based charities on matters including governance and regulatory compliance. Ridout is particularly adept at advising on interactions with the Charity Commission and the CQC.
    • Paul gave helpful advice on a tricky historic abuse/reputational issue which we appreciated.

      Charities respondentUK
    • Paul has always provided the best level of advice and does so with a great understanding of our market and what we want to achieve.

      Charities respondentUK
    • Paul is an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. He is expert, responsive and a clear communicator always looking to add value.

      Charities respondentUK
  • Associates to watchGeorge Shepherd
    Associates to watchGeorge Shepherd

    George Shepherd

    George Shepherd is an associate who advises a range of clients including in the health and faith-based spaces, as well as traditional foundations and trusts. He handles mergers, governance reviews, incorporations and property transactions.
    • George is always keen to provide help and advice. He is professional and approachable in all the work we do together.

      Charities respondentUK
    • George is friendly and responsive, quick to find answers or help from colleagues. He has been clear, efficient and helpful. He understands us as a client and a charity.

      Charities respondentUK
    • George is very aware of the needs of the organisation and able to speak with wisdom and expertise on matters of key significance. He is personable and easy to work with.

      Charities respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Moore Barlow LLP (3)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Moore Barlow LLP

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