Karen Collins

Publication: Thinking about… Merger, during Covid-19

If your charity is considering a merger, our joint publication with IVAR could help. The coronavirus crisis has changed the landscape of the third sector, with many organisations now considering options like merger. In this joint publication from Bates Wells and IVAR, we draw together the experiences of a wide variety of voluntary organisations and advisers …
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City Bridge Trust’s coronavirus fund receives £7 million injection to support London’s civil society

The City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust* has received a £7 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund for its London Community Response Fund, which Bates Wells helped to set up in March. This additional tranche of funding, which we were delighted to advise City Bridge Trust on, takes the London …
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Government announces independent review of judicial review

On Friday (31 July 2020) the Government launched an independent review to examine whether there is a need to reform the judicial review process in the UK. The terms of reference of the review are available here. The review follows a pledge in the Conservative manifesto to ensure judicial review is “not abused to conduct …
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How can you reduce the carbon output of your building?

With buildings and the construction sector a significant contributor to carbon emissions, now is the time to look at reducing your building’s carbon footprint. Rebecca Rider provides a useful list of points to consider.
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People Management: Chetal Patel on frontline workers during COVID-19

With the Home Office recently extending its list of frontline workers who will have their visa automatically extended as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, Chetal Patel, partner in our Immigration department, has spoken to People Management with her views on this move. This latest update will allow NHS workers on a visa …
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Thomson Reuters: Luke Fletcher interviewed on B Corps and the future of sustainable business

Luke Fletcher, Partner in our CHaSE team, has spoken with Thomson Reuters regarding B Corp status, sustainable business and the number of organisations looking into whether to certify as a B Corp. Speaking to Sarah Shearman, Social Enterprise Correspondent at Thomson Reuters, Luke explained how the B Corp certification process is a robust benchmark which …
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2020 Stephen Lloyd Awards open for applications

The Bates Wells Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2020 Stephen Lloyd Awards have now opened and are welcoming nominations until 16 March 2020. The Awards, which seek to recognise and support early-stage charities and enterprises which serve a social purpose and are now in their 6th year, have provided financial and pro bono …
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Legacies and Coronavirus: key things for you to consider

With the forecast that the coronavirus outbreak will significantly weaken the UK economy, this will inevitably impact legacy income. We have put together a list of some key issues for you to consider. Property market freeze With the Government’s announcement on 27th March that property buyers and sellers should pause purchases until after the COVID-19 …
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People Management: Paul Seath comments on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Insights from Paul Seath, partner in our employment team, have been featured in People Management’s coverage of the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Please see our latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here. Speaking to the publication, Paul explained how the scheme is ‘extremely welcome and will undoubtedly save many jobs’, but highlighted …
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Coronavirus and right to work

UK Visas & Immigration (‘UKVI’) has announced temporary adjustments to its requirements for how employers conduct right-to-work checks during the current COVID-19 environment. Remember that these checks need to be conducted before employing someone new and may also be required from time to time for existing employees with temporary visas due to expire. The first thing …
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Commercial property aspects of the Coronavirus Act 2020

As part of the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic new extensive laws have passed through Parliament providing wide-ranging measures to help deal with the impact of the virus.  The Coronavirus Act 2020 became law on 25th March. The Act seeks to provide security for tenants of commercial property who are struggling to pay their rent. Whilst …
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Coronavirus and AGMs – Public and Private Companies

COVID-19 has caused and continues to cause unprecedented disruption. One possible consequence for both public and private companies is the cancellation or rescheduling of AGMs and / or other general meetings (a meeting of the company’s members or shareholders, hereafter referred to as shareholders). A public company must hold an AGM within the period of …
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