ACF announces new legal partnership with Bates Wells and Farrer & Co
29 October 2025
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is delighted to announce a new corporate partnership with leading law firms Bates Wells and Farrer & Co, aimed at strengthening legal insight and support for UK trusts and foundations.
This collaboration brings together ACF’s 400+ charitable foundation members with the deep sector expertise of two of the UK’s most respected legal practices.
Through the partnership, ACF members will gain access to expert advice, resources and thought leadership on key legal issues affecting trusts and foundations — from governance, charity law, and grant-making to regulation and compliance.
Carol Mack, ACF CEO, said: "By combining their deep understanding of the charitable sector, Bates Wells and Farrer & Co will help ACF members navigate the increasingly complex legal landscape in which charitable foundations operate".
Luke Fletcher, Bates Wells partner, said: "Charitable foundations are critical to a thriving civil society, and so we are thrilled to be working with ACF and supporting its members. We plan to bring technical and practical insights from across the full breadth of our work with trusts and foundations large and small. We really look forward to connecting with ACF members and contributing to the community".
Elizabeth Jones, Farrer & Co partner, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with ACF to support the UK's charitable trusts and foundations sector. At Farrer & Co, we are committed to helping charities negotiate today's challenging legal and regulatory environment. We look forward to working with ACF's members to help them achieve even greater impact".
The partnership will include a programme of events, briefings, and practical guidance designed to enhance members’ understanding and confidence in addressing legal and regulatory challenges.
This initiative also reinforces ACF’s commitment to equipping its members with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver greater impact, while strengthening the profile and reputation of Bates Wells and Farrer & Co as trusted advisors to the UK’s trust and foundation community.
Together with ACF, Bates Wells and Farrer & Co look forward to building a stronger, more informed, and resilient foundation sector across the UK. They will both be attending the ACF conference in November, where they look forward to hearing delegates' ideas for topics they would like to learn more about in 2026.
About the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF)
ACF is the leading membership association for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK. Driven by a belief that foundations are a vital source for social good, our purpose is to strengthen trusts and foundations so they can rise to the challenges of our times. We do this through the provision of policy and advocacy, research and information, and a wide-ranging programme of events and learning. Charitable trusts and foundations across the UK collectively hold £89 billion in assets and give over £8bn annually.
About Bates Wells
Bates Wells is a law firm with impact at its heart. Dedicated to delivering for charities, our legal experts are immersed in civil society and have a deep understanding of the latest challenges and trends. We advise across the full range of issues facing foundations, including on formation, governance, management of the endowment, operations and programmes, restructuring, grant making and investment.
As a B Corp, Bates Wells is committed to a triple bottom line approach to doing business, meaning we seek to value environment and society as much as making a profit. We are top ranked for charities by the independent legal directories and have been for many years.
About Farrer & Co.
Farrer & Co advises many of the UK's largest and most well-known charities. We provide clear, pragmatic guidance, helping trustees make confident decisions, manage risk, and seize opportunities.
We are known for our technical excellence in constitutional governance, our ability to navigate high-stakes disputes and our discreet handling of sensitive issues. We excel in advising philanthropic charitable foundations and significant grant-making bodies. Our leading position is reflected in our Band 1 rankings in both Chambers UK and Legal 500.