Charities & Faith-Based
Groups
Charities, churches and faith-based organisations exist to serve others. Legal issues should support that mission — not distract from it.
We work with small and medium-sized charities, churches and faith-based organisations across England and Wales, providing clear, practical legal advice that reflects the realities you face: limited budgets, volunteer trustees, mission-driven decision-making and property that is often central to your work.
25+
years advising charities and faith groups
4.8★
Google rating from 374 reviews
100%
of charity clients receive written fee estimates before work begins
England & Wales
nationwide coverage from our Chester base
If your organisation provides housing, uses ASTs or licences, the Renters' Rights Act changes the legal landscape fundamentally. Read our guidance for charities or book a Readiness Review.
How We Can Help
Legal Services for Charities & Faith Groups
Our role is to help you move forward with confidence, manage risk sensibly and make sound decisions — without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Property & Land
Buying, selling, leasing and developing charity property. Church buildings, halls, community spaces and development land.
Find out moreLeases, Licences & Occupation
Leases, licences to occupy, ministerial housing, shared use agreements and regularising informal arrangements.
Find out moreBuying, Selling & Development
Property acquisitions, disposals and development projects — supporting trustees through every stage.
Find out moreFinancing & Equity Release
Secured lending, refinancing and equity release to support capital projects and mission growth.
Find out moreSupported Housing, Tenancies & Licensing
Specialist landlord and tenant advice for charities housing vulnerable people. Critical changes from 1 May 2026.
Find out moreEmployment
Employment contracts, ministers and workers, day-to-day HR advice, redundancy and restructures.
Find out moreFees & Pro Bono
Transparent, proportionate fees. Fixed and capped options. Discretionary pro bono support where appropriate.
Find out moreGuides & FAQs
Practical guides and answers to common questions for charities, churches and faith-based organisations.
Find out moreFees & Pricing
SRA-compliant transparent pricing for charity legal services. Fixed fees, capped fees and pro bono options.
Find out moreYour Team
The Charities & Faith-Based Groups Team
Our charities team combines decades of experience in commercial property, landlord and tenant law, and employment — with a genuine understanding of the mission-driven context in which charities operate.
Paul D'Ambrogio
Founding Director & Solicitor
Commercial Property · Charity Law
Paul D'Ambrogio is the founding Director of PDA Law with 30 years' experience as a qualified solicitor. He has guided clients through an extraordinary range of legal matters — from individuals seeking straightforward advice to charities for whom PDA Law has become an integral part of their mission.
01244 757352
Jane Clutton
Director & Solicitor
Landlord & Tenant · Supported Housing
Jane is a Director and Solicitor at PDA Law with almost 30 years' experience advising landlords and organisations on tenancy matters. She specialises in all aspects of landlord and tenant law — from evictions and possession claims to tenancy disputes, rent arrears and regulatory compliance.
01244 757352
Ana Pestana
Solicitor
Commercial Property · Leases
Ana is a commercial property solicitor with several years' post-qualification experience advising institutional investors, developers, landlords, tenants, lenders and corporate occupiers on transactional and advisory real estate matters.
01244 757352Where We Work
Charity Solicitors Across England & Wales
Based in Chester, we act for charities, churches and faith-based organisations across the North West, North Wales and beyond. Select your location for local information.
Who We Support
Organisations we regularly act for
While we are a Christian-led law firm, we are proud to support organisations of all faiths — and those with none. What matters to us is a shared commitment to integrity, stewardship and service.
Charities & Charitable Trusts
Registered charities and charitable trusts of all sizes.
Churches & Places of Worship
Churches, chapels and faith communities across all denominations.
Faith-Based Organisations
Faith-based organisations of all traditions and backgrounds.
Community Organisations
Community organisations with a faith ethos or values-led mission.
Client Experiences
What Charities & Trustees Say
“PDA Law understands the charity sector — the budget constraints, the trustee dynamics, the mission-driven decision-making. Their advice is practical, proportionate and always focused on what actually matters to us.”
Chair of Trustees, Registered Charity
Ongoing legal support, Chester area
* Details anonymised to protect client confidentiality. Experiences reflect genuine client engagements.
Downloadable Resource Guides
Free practical guides for charity trustees and faith-based organisations. Enter your email address to receive the guide — no spam, no obligation.
8 pages · Free Guide
Trustee Guidance Notes
Duties, responsibilities & decision-making
A practical reference guide for charity trustees covering their core legal duties, decision-making obligations, Charity Commission requirements and how to protect themselves from personal liability.
- Core trustee duties under the Charities Act 2011 (as amended by the Charities Act 2022)
- Key changes introduced by the Charities Act 2022: easier disposal of charity land, relaxed trustee benefit and payment rules, and simplified merger procedures
- Acting in the best interests of the charity
- Managing conflicts of interest
- Trustee decision-making and resolutions
- Charity Commission reporting obligations
- Personal liability — when trustees are at risk
- Property transactions: what trustees must do
5 pages · Free Guide
Charity Lease Checklist
Before you sign — key points for trustees
A step-by-step checklist for charity trustees reviewing or negotiating a lease. Covers the key clauses to check, the questions to ask your solicitor, and the trustee resolutions required before exchange.
- Lease term, break clauses and renewal rights
- Rent review provisions and frequency
- Repairing obligations — full repairing and insuring leases
- Alterations and fit-out rights
- Assignment and subletting restrictions
- Charity Commission consent requirements
- Trustee resolutions before exchange
6 pages · Free Guide
SDLT & Stamp Duty Guide for Charities
Charities are exempt from Stamp Duty Land Tax
A clear guide to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for charities. Charities are exempt from SDLT on property purchases where the property is held for charitable purposes — this guide explains the exemption, how to claim it and the conditions that apply.
- What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?
- The charity SDLT exemption — how it works
- Conditions for claiming the exemption
- What "held for charitable purposes" means
- Mixed-use properties and partial exemption
- How to claim the exemption on your SDLT return
- Clawback provisions — when the exemption is lost
By entering your email you agree to receive this guide and occasional legal updates from PDA Law. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Get in Touch
Send an Enquiry
Tell us about your organisation and what you need. One of our solicitors will be in touch within one working day.
Renters' Rights Act 2026 — Act Now
The most significant reform of the private rented sector in decades takes effect from 1 May 2026. If your organisation provides housing, you need to act.
Renters' Rights Act — Guidance for Charities
What the Act means for charities and faith-based landlords. Key changes, deadlines and compliance guidance.
Readiness Review — Fixed-Fee Health Check
A structured, fixed-scope legal review for charities providing housing. Prepare before 1 May 2026.
What we do not advise on
At present, we do not advise on charity law regulation, Charity Commission compliance, or constitutional matters. Where specialist charity regulatory advice is required, we will tell you early and — where appropriate — signpost you to suitable advisers.
Ready to speak to a solicitor?
Practical, proportionate legal advice for charities and faith-based organisations — costs explained clearly before any work begins.
No obligation — talk through your options first. Clear fees confirmed in writing.