Learned & Professional Bodies

We understand that Royal Charter charities, professional bodies, learned societies and trade associations are distinct organisations with their own specific structures, identities and purposes, and our experience spans the support needs of these organisations and their members.

As a result of our extensive work with such bodies, we know they require robust governance structures within which leaders can engage effectively with members. Practical constitutional documents, policies and procedures specifically tailored to the needs and activities of such organisations are crucial to help them meet the demands of the rapidly changing environment in which they operate.

We pride ourselves on our expertise across multiple sectors. We are able to advise on all matters of governance and corporate structuring, we can support you in all your operations whether commercial or public benefit, and are experts in information law, including matters relating to data protection, privacy and security (including cyber security). Stone King’s dedicated employment and HR team are on hand to advise on all things people, such as grievance, disciplinary and absence issues, while the property team can work with you on anything from major development and restoration projects through to property financing and portfolio management. Additionally, members can benefit from our team of personal law specialists. 

Stone King’s work with Royal Charter charities, professional bodies, learned societies and trade associations spans governance matters (such as reviews, amendments to governing documents and advising on member disputes), collaboration and commercial agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and the structuring of international relationships. We’ve advised on major grants, modernising charity special purpose funds and total return for endowment funds. Procurement issues have been reviewed, trading operations advised on and, in one interesting case, Stone King worked on the sale of an academic publishing business.

For organisations that also serve as regulatory authorities and qualification-awarding bodies, we can support the resolution of the increasing number of disciplinary disputes arising from the enforcement of professional standards, as well as disputes over the qualification of entry to membership.

These examples of the services Stone King provides are by no means exhaustive. For more information, contact Reema Mathur, Tamsin Eastwood, Clive Vergnaud, or Lisa Basch.