Working together to continue a legacy

Stewards Company manage the JW Laing Trust which has transformed lives over the last 100 years.

The Stewards Company was set up to be a ‘steward’ of mission properties worldwide. With links to evangelical churches, there was a strong missionary movement which also built many schools, hospitals and medical centres. The missionaries didn’t want to own the properties, so they needed an organisation back in the UK to take responsibility.    

John Laing, one of the directors of the Stewards Company, was a successful property builder and had amassed significant wealth. He made a vow to God that for every pound he earned a significant percentage would be given to charity.     

When John Laing died, he left most of his money in trust for Christian causes, including the J.W Laing Trust and the J.W. Laing Biblical Scholarship Trust. He’d asked the Stewards Company to administer these and Anthony Collins now advise and guide them through the intricacies of charity law and best practice.

Creating opportunities

The J.W. Laing Trust is an independent Christian grant-making body which aims to improve the lives of those in need and focuses on community, disadvantaged youth, education and homelessness.

During his life, John Laing was passionate about funding missionary work and youth work. He was involved with organisations for young people which aimed to preach the message while making Christianity appealing. He also supported the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students together with promoting biblical scholarship through Tyndale House.

His beliefs live on as the trust only awards grants that fit its criteria and strategic priorities. 

“It’s wonderful to have the team at Anthony Collins walking alongside us. I know I can pick up the phone at any time and talk through an issue. They’ll come up with an answer, go and research it or connect us with another expert. Their expertise has guided and helped us through many challenging issues. Plus, we know they share our ethos and understand what we’re about.”
Andrew Griffiths, director of operations, Stewards Company Ltd

Non-flamboyant giving

In contrast to today’s society when things are often done for show, John Laing never drew attention to his giving. He emphasised it was not his money and that he was just God’s steward while on earth.

The Stewards Company has always respected this but, last year on the 100^th year anniversary of the JW Laing Trust, they thought it would be fitting to hold a Thanksgiving Service in London. It’s estimated that half a billion pounds has been given away by the Trust over that time which means John Laing’s legacy has supported an incredible number of individuals and causes.

Keeping charities on the right path         

The regulatory requirements on charities and the scrutiny they are put under by the Charity Commission, has increased hugely in recent years and if there’s the slightest question mark over a charity’s actions, it can have a major impact on their reputation.

So, our role with the Stewards Company is to help them carry out their activities with the best governance possible. We make sure all the correct procedures are followed and everything is transparent. This then facilitates them to effectively administer the JW Laing Trust.

We’ve helped the Stewards Company with a wide range of issues, including GDPR, employment advice, trustee training and recruitment. Particularly, with new appointments, we’ve been able to steer them in the right direction and advise on the consents required from the Charity Commission

“It’s a real joy to provide advice for the Stewards Company and the J.W. Laing Trust. Sitting in the Thanksgiving Service was extremely uplifting, knowing we’ve played a small part in work that will have such a long-lasting impact.”
Edwina Turner, legal director, Anthony Collins