Employment Law for Religious and Charitable Organizations
Employment Law for Religious and Charitable Organizations
Employment Law Services for Religious and Charitable Organizations
We provide employment law advice tailored to the distinct needs of charities, non-profits, schools, churches, and para-church organizations. These mission-driven groups operate within unique faith values and governance structures that call for a different approach to employment matters. At Glendinning Smith LLP, we offer thoughtful, principled legal guidance grounded in our extensive experience working with faith-based organizations. Our advice is practical and legally sound, always delivered with a clear focus on what matters most—supporting your people and advancing your organization’s purpose.
- Tailored Employment Advice for Mission-Driven Employers: We provide specialized employment advice on hiring, performance management, discipline, and terminations, taking into account the unique mission, values, and legal obligations applicable to non-profit and religious organizations.
- Agreements for Employees and Volunteers: We draft and review employment contracts, volunteer agreements, and independent contractor agreements that reflect your organizational structure and values, while protecting your legal interests. We also advise on non-competition and non-solicitation clauses, confidentiality agreements, and onboarding processes.
- HR Policies, Codes of Conduct, and Statements of Faith: We assist in the development of workplace policies, to ensure they are clear, enforceable, and accurately reflect the values and beliefs of the organization. We ensure your internal policies reflect your mission while being defensible if challenged.
- Religious and Charitable Exemptions: We help non-profit organizations understand their legal obligations under the BC Human Rights code, and plan for the use of religious and charitable exemptions that may be available.
- Policies and Compliance: We assist with the creation and review of organizational policies on topics such as codes of conduct, statements of faith, employee handbooks, leave, sabbaticals, remote work etc. We ensure your HR practices comply with the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, and other applicable legislation.
- Investigations and Misconduct Reviews: When allegations of misconduct arise, whether it involves harassment, breach of policy, or serious allegations such as sexual abuse, we provide independent investigation services or guide you through an internal investigation. We ensure the process is compliant with legal and procedural requirements and respects your organization’s unique values and dispute resolution practices.
Religious and Charitable Organization Services
Employment law is our practice, and we are pleased to support mission-driven organizations with employment advice, tailored agreements, policy development, and misconduct investigations. Our guidance is legally sound, values-informed, and sensitive to the distinct needs of charitable and faith-based workplaces.
Based in Chilliwack, we support charities, non-profits, schools, churches, and para-church organizations across British Columbia with practical legal solutions in employment law that uphold your mission-aligned values. Whether you are hiring staff, managing performance concerns, addressing internal conflict, or navigating complex issues like terminations or misconduct, we offer clear, principled guidance to help you remain compliant while advancing your organization’s purpose.
Our Process
What to Expect from a Consultation: Your initial consultation is an opportunity for us to learn about you or your organization, assess the legal issues at hand, and determine whether we’re the right fit for your needs. During this one-hour meeting, we’ll explain your rights and options, offer recommendations, and outline the potential next steps. If you choose to proceed, we’ll also review the scope of services and associated costs for ongoing representation.
Preparing for your Appointment: Before the consultation, we ask that you send us any relevant documents — such as employment contracts, severance offers, workplace policies, or key communications — so your lawyer can review them in advance. The consultation is offered at a flat rate of $300 plus tax, with any further work billed at the lawyer’s hourly rate. Appointments can often be scheduled on the same day you contact us, or within one business day and are available in person, by phone, or Zoom. To get started, please complete our online intake form, or contact our office and a team member will guide you through the booking process.
Other Practice Areas
Employment Law for Employers
Clear, strategic legal advice for BC employers on hiring, contracts, discipline, terminations, leaves, HR policies, and compliance.
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Employment Law for Employees
We support employees at every stage of the employment relationship – from hiring to termination and everything in between.
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Employment Law for Religious and Charitable Organizations
Legal guidance for charities, non-profits, and religious organizations on hiring, HR Policies, governance, religious exemptions, and terminations.
Learn More
Human Rights Law
Advice and legal representation in workplace discrimination, harassment, disability accommodation, and BC Human Rights Code compliance.
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Labour Law
Practical legal guidance for BC employers on union relations, collective bargaining, grievances, and compliance with the Labour Relations Code.
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Workplace Investigations
Independent, legally compliant investigations into misconduct, harassment, and policy breaches for BC workplaces.
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Other Practice Areas
Employment Law for Employers
Clear, strategic legal advice for BC employers on hiring, contracts, discipline, terminations, leaves, HR policies, and compliance.
Learn More
Employment Law for Employees
We support employees at every stage of the employment relationship – from hiring to termination and everything in between.
Learn More
Employment Law for Religious and Charitable Organizations
Legal guidance for charities, non-profits, and religious organizations on hiring, HR Policies, governance, religious exemptions, and terminations.
Learn More
Human Rights Law
Advice and legal representation in workplace discrimination, harassment, disability accommodation, and BC Human Rights Code compliance.
Learn More
Labour Law
Practical legal guidance for BC employers on union relations, collective bargaining, grievances, and compliance with the Labour Relations Code.
Learn More
Workplace Investigations
Independent, legally compliant investigations into misconduct, harassment, and policy breaches for BC workplaces.
Learn More
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a
Consultation
Looking for legal advice? Our team is ready to offer expert guidance and support, ensuring you receive the right counsel exactly when you need it.
Need legal advice? Our team is here to provide expert guidance when you need it most.