Felicity Aris

Gender identity, protected beliefs and single-sex facilities in the workplace: a review of LS v NHS England

The recent influx of Employment Tribunal (“ET”) cases relating to gender identity, protected beliefs, and the use of single-sex facilities in the workplace continues this month; with the case of LS v NHS England (“LS“) (the judgment for which can be found here). This is the fifth ET case in the last six months or …
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Mediation in legacy disputes: top tips for charities

We recently hosted a mediation masterclass at the ILM Annual Conference 2026. The session drew on legal and in-house charity perspectives to explore when mediation is appropriate, and practical ways that legacy teams can manage mediation with confidence. We heard useful insights from guest speakers, Megan Paul (Cancer Research UK) and Kate Vowden (British Heart …
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Purpose & Impact: your round-up | May

Welcome to your round-up – a monthly selection of news hand-picked to help keep you up to date, for businesses, investors and others working to create positive impact. Jump to: Corporate Purpose B Corps Climate & Biodiversity Impact Investing Social Enterprise ESG Corporate purpose WRAP’s UK Packaging Pact officially launched at ‘Sustainable Ventures’, an event …
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The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what faith-based charities need to know

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in decades. Although not yet fully in force, the Government is implementing its provisions in phases, allowing landlords – including faith-based organisations and charities providing housing or accommodation as part …
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Allison Bailey granted the right to appeal claim against Stonewall for causing discrimination to the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court announced on 6 May 2026, that it has granted Barrister Allison Bailey permission to appeal; against the Court of Appeal’s 2025 decision to dismiss her claim against the charity Stonewall, for causing the discrimination she was found to have been subjected to by her former Chambers (Garden Court). Ms Bailey previously brought …
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Updated EHRC Services Code delivered to Minister for Women and Equalities will shortly be laid before parliament

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) submitted an updated draft of its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations (“Services Code”) to the Minister for Women and Equalities on 13 April 2026. It will shortly be laid before Parliament for 40 days (if approved by the Minister), before coming into force (if …
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ICO publishes guidance on use of the ‘charity soft opt-in’

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has now updated its ‘Direct marketing and privacy and electronic communications’ guidance in light of the changes made to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (‘PECR’) by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Crucially, this includes the long-awaited final guidance on the use of the ‘charitable purposes soft …
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Government consultation on proposals to restrict the scope of confidentiality clauses in NDAs

The numerous, and significant, employment law changes contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), are currently in the process of being implemented – with the first tranche coming into force this month, and the remainder being rolled out over the course of the next couple of years. Of those provisions yet to be …
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New mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for large employers

Following a recent consultation, on proposals for mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting by large employers, and in light of the widespread support amongst those who responded (87%), the Government has now confirmed that the proposals will be going ahead. Though the new reporting requirements are unlikely to come into force on a compulsory …
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Government publishes new guidance for employers on implementing equality action plans

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), large employers (i.e. those with 250 or more employees), are being encouraged to develop and publish equality action plans on a voluntary basis from 6 April 2026, and will be required to produce these on a mandatory basis from April 2027. These equality action plans must show …
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Events and roundtables for purpose-driven and impact-focussed businesses

Interested in networking and sharing ideas with senior leaders and legal teams within B Corps, social enterprises, impact investors, social banks, and other kinds of purpose-driven businesses? We regularly host events and roundtables to discuss the ‘impact angles’ on key legal and practical issues, and share best practice across a range of topics, including: If …
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Employment law changes in April 2026: what’s coming up?

From April 2026, as is the case each year, the Government will be increasing the level of employment-related statutory payments, as well as the compensation limits applicable to certain Employment Tribunal awards; roughly in line with inflation. In addition, this year, a number of provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”) will be coming …
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