After the results of the general election, the UK will almost certainly leave the European Union on 31 January 2020. Over the coming year, senior charity staff and Boards are going to need to keep watch on a range of areas where Brexit is likely to have an impact.
There will be a transitional period from 31 January to 31 December 2020. During this period, charities will need to give careful thought to the potential impact of Brexit on some key areas. Those that stand out include:There will be a transitional period from 31 January to 31 December 2020. During this period, charities will need to give careful thought to the potential impact of Brexit on some key areas. Those that stand out include:
funding – there may be some protection for existing European funding in the Withdrawal Agreement, but charities will need to consider the likely loss of European funding streams further down the line.
contracts and agreements – many will contain references to EU law, which will need to be amended before the end of the transition period.
trademarks/intellectual property – those with trademarks registered with the European Intellectual Property Office will need to track the impact of the changes.
data transfer – charities may need to review how personal data is transferred to and from charities, partners and suppliers in the EU, and may need to take additional steps to ensure continued compliance with data protection legislation.
staff – while EU staff will have until 30 June 2021 to apply to the Home Office for settled status, support and advice may be needed, particularly for those employees who leave the UK to work overseas for periods of time.
supply chains – an understanding of what goods you use that may be disrupted by the end of the free movement of goods will be key to maintaining continuity of supply.
We will be talking about Brexit planning at our ‘Getting in shape for 2020’ seminar on 28 January 2020. If you would like to hear more, sign up to receive our charity law seminar invitations – sign up for events & updates.
We will continue to monitor developments and will be publishing further updates and guidance in due course – keep an eye on our Charity law e-updates.
