Governance

Our governance expertise is led by Partners Ruth Hargreaves, Graeme Hughes and Rupert Gill. 

They work with businesses, governing bodies and charities of all types and sizes, including public and private companies, registered providers of social housing, community benefit societies, charities, sports national governing bodies (NGBs) and international federations (IFs), local sports clubs and professional practices as well as senior leaders including directors and shareholders. 

Ruth leads our sports governance specialism through her extensive work with NGBs and IFs. For well over a decade, she’s acted as a trusted advisor on constitutional and corporate governance matters, as well as acquisitions, mergers, disposals and investments across the sport sector.

Graeme leads our charity team and has over 15 years’ experience in advising on the governance structures of charitable organisations of all types and sizes, including those that operate internationally. 

Rupert leads our housing and communities sector team. Recognised as a Leading Partner by The Legal 500 2025, he advises registered providers on a wide range of corporate legal matters and provides specialist guidance on corporate governance, constitutional issues, changes to model rules and intra-group agreements.

In an evolving, increasingly-regulated environment, it can be difficult to stay on top of corporate governance — but not with the right people by your side.

Drawing on deep, real-world industry insights and commercial acumen, we’ll help you to stay compliant, resilient and well-structured through every stage of growth and change. We’ll find innovative, tailored solutions to your problems — maximising opportunities while minimising risk.

From routine to complex matters, we offer the full spectrum of governance, corporate law and secretary services, including:

• Business planning & structuring — constitutional advice, reorganisations, group and tax-efficient structures, board structuring, succession planning, joint ventures and partnerships.
• Company secretarial services — acting as company secretary or registered office, company incorporations and filings, maintaining statutory registers and shareholder records, preparing board and shareholder documents, advising on directors’ duties.
• Governance reviews & best practice — gap analysis and audits against regulatory codes, reviewing frameworks, policies and procedures, sector-specific compliance (e.g. sports, charities, housing), ESG and sustainability governance.
• Board & shareholder support — composition and appointments, shareholder agreements and disputes, governance training for directors and executives, crisis and risk management.
• Regulations & transactions — advice on constitutional or regulatory change, support on investments, refinancing and funding rounds, reporting and disclosure obligations.