Karen Collins

B Corps – Recruiting and retaining your people

Acquiring, retaining and developing talent is fundamental to the success of any organisation. As B Corps, the way in which we choose to do this may differ but the common value we all have is that we want to embrace a diverse workforce and ensure that they are fulfilled in their role. Click the link …
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Real estate update: Repurposing your office space

Office space is often a large expense, so now is a good time to review whether your space still meets your needs. If your office space no longer meets the needs of your organisation but it’s not the right time to move, we describe a few of the options you can consider in this article. …
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities – a focus on reasonable adjustments

Employers need to be aware of the rules around reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees. Recognised as a ‘cornerstone’ of the Equality Act 2010 (EA), the duty to make reasonable adjustments requires employers to take positive steps to ensure that those with disabilities can access and progress in employment. Many employers find navigating this …
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Charity Financials: Bates Wells acts for more top UK charities than any other law firm

Charity Financials’ latest directory recognises Bates Wells as the top UK law firm in the sector. Charity Financials’ Top 3000 Charities directory reports annually on the finances of the biggest charities in the UK, along with their advisors. Bates Wells has been once again been recognised as top of the table when it comes to …
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Employ workers from abroad? Be prepared for unannounced visits.

Employers are facing fines if they fail to check their employees’ eligibility to work in the UK – Chetal Patel explains how you can prepare in Personnel Today. It’s expected that the number of investigations into Right to Work fines will increase as the UK lockdown eases, particularly after 30 June, when EU employees will …
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Bates Wells represents national charitable sporting trust in its refinancing

Bates Wells advised a leading sporting charitable trust in connection with various amendments to its banking facilities with a leading UK clearing bank. The transaction involved detailed advice and documentation around the switching mechanism to allow for the transition in Q3 2021 away from the current interest benchmark of LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) to …
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Bates Wells represents leading construction and infrastructure company in its refinancing

Bates Wells advised a leading construction and infrastructure company on its refinancing with a syndicate of leading UK banks. The transaction involved detailed documentation and advice on the incorporation of the new interest benchmark rate of SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average) ahead of the transition away from the current benchmark of LIBOR (London Interbank Offered …
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LIBOR transition 2021 – are you ready?

If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get ready for the transition from the London Interbank Offer Rate interest benchmark (‘LIBOR’) to the new risk-free rates. LIBOR will cease to be in effect from 31 December 2021.
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The Triple Bottom Line Q&A Series – People

In our Triple Bottom Line Q&A Series, we will be talking to B Corps about what ‘people, planet and profit’ mean to their business. The first of our conversations looks at people. We asked Louise Chapman, Head of Marketing & Communications at biostatistics consulting firm Veramed, about the company’s experience of being a B Corp …
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The General Counsel’s guide to B Corp certification

If you’re a GC or in-house lawyer and your business is considering B Corp certification, we’ve pulled together a quick checklist of the things you need to know. Click the link below to view.
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UK Visas for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) citizens and family members open this month

Last year, the UK government detailed a roadmap for Hong Kong residents who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship, or “BN(O)”, to live and work in the UK. On 31 January 2021, the BN(O) Visa opened, allowing holders of BN(O) citizenship and close family members to apply with a view to settlement and citizenship after the …
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Positive change: a podcast

What is the impact of the pandemic on charity partnerships and collaboration? Listen to Liza Ramrayka, leading sector journalist, speak with Jim Minton, Chief Executive of Toynbee Hall and Erica Crump, partner at Bates Wells, draw upon their experiences to discuss the impact the pandemic has had on charity partnerships and collaboration over the past …
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