I am Senior Partner and head of the Charity and Social Enterprise Department at Bates Wells & Braithwaite, one of Britain's leading law firms in this area. I am also trustee of 5 other charities including being Chairman of the Charity Law Association. I became interested in the voluntary sector when I did voluntary service overseas in Sudan in the mid 1970s and have continued that interest since.

I have also written or co-authored a number of books including "The Barclay's Guide to Law for the Small Business"; "The Charities Act Handbook"; "Charities Trading and the Law"; "The Fundraiser's Guide to the Law" and "Keeping it Legal - Legal forms for Social Enterprises". I was also one of the co-originators of the idea that developed into The Community Interest Company which the Government has recently adopted.

I am married with four sons and live in Greenwich. I am a cyclist and sing in a local choir and love reading and classical music.