The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 15: Spring 2020 | Page 16

CHARITY FOCUS: SPOTLIGHT ON TIM RUTHERFORD Tim Rutherford is a Partner and Head of the Charity & Social Enterprise Sector Group at Stone King, one of the top three firms nationally advising charities and social enterprises. Tim is based in the firm’s Bath office, but advises clients all over the country. Tim is recognised as one of the leading advisors in the South West by the Legal 500 (guide to the best law firms), and has been instrumental in many local projects. As the Charity and Social Enterprise sector is a key practice area for Stone King, Tim and the team were keen to get behind the recent Business Exchange South West Charity Conference, supporting it from the start as a founding sponsor. Tell us more about your work locally What do you enjoy most about your role? We work with a range of local charities and social enterprises across the sector, from small local community organisations to large household names. Our relationships with local charities go back many decades and, in some cases, even centuries. As well as providing legal advice, we also get involved in charitable activity, for example I’m a member of the PCC at Bath Abbey and will be running the Bath Half for the second time this year, raising funds for the Bath Rugby Community Foundation. It’s a privilege to support our clients in their important work and problem-solve through the legal landscape so they can flourish and focus on their beneficiaries. How do you think Bath charities fare compared to the national average? Is there a piece of work that you’re most proud of? I feel fortunate that there have been many such projects. In particular, it’s always a pleasure to meet so many people who are passionate about the causes they work for, and helping them go forward with their work. We are lucky to have such remarkable and diverse charities that make a significant contribution to the community. Local support is improving with initiatives like 3SG, but charities face challenges from funding, to digital and administrative pressures and the challenges in Bath are no different to elsewhere. What are your five top tips for charities? What are the hot topics for charities and not-for-profits this year? It was fantastic to see the variety of organisations that came together. They all had a clear interest in engaging and learning from one-another. There was a really positive vibe. Governance continues to dominate the landscape for trustees, ensuring that charities provide great support for their beneficiaries and are also fit for purpose in how they operate internally. Continuing awareness of safeguarding and the impact on beneficiaries continues to be a must for trustees to consider. 16 www.tbebathandsomerset.co.uk I would say: believe in your cause; never ignore a concern; always put your beneficiaries first; make sure your policies are up-to-date; if in doubt, call your legal advisor. What did you enjoy most about this year’s charity conference? To find out more about Stone King’s offering for the Charity and Social Enterprise sector email: [email protected] or call: 01225 326776 Tim Rutherford “Governance continues to dominate the landscape for trustees”