In this informative session, presented jointly by lawyers from Watson Esam Solicitors and advisers from Voluntary Action Sheffield, attendees will receive an update on changes in the law that specifically affect charities and voluntary organisations.

Jay Bhayani, senior partner at Watson Esam Solicitors advises charities and voluntary organisation of all sizes locally and nationally and will give an update on employment law, including:

• Recent changes
• What is new
• What is coming in the future

Guy Lachlan, corporate consultant at Watson Esam has a wealth of experience in advising charities on commercial and corporate issues and will provide an update on trading activities for charities including:

• Who can do what?
• Trading arms for charities
• Who controls you and who controls the trade?

Flora Jafarzade, HR adviser at VAS will discuss key tools for managing sickness absence and the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act.  She will examine policies and procedures that organisations can adopt to provide timely intervention in dealing with staff off work on both long and short term sick leave.

Bev Cross, legal consultant at VAS will give an update on other legal issues affecting charities including:

• The CIO – where are we now (or rather where aren’t we)
• Requirement for public benefit statements
• Registration of exempt and excepted charities

Watson Esam has been delivering legal services to the charity sector for many years and its charity department is recommended in the Legal 500, a renowned independent guide to the legal market.

Visit the website at www.watson–esam.co.uk for full details of Watson Esam’s charity legal services and employer protection scheme.