News

Applications for the 2021 #StephenLloydAwards are now open!

The Bates Wells Foundation are excited to welcome entries involving quirky ideas, projects and efforts intending to influence social change. Any charitable organisation with an innovative solution to deliver genuine, sustainable social change is encouraged to apply by visiting www.stephenlloydawards.org. All entries close at midnight 31 August 2021. Created in memory of the late Stephen …
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Bates Wells launches Upward Mentoring programme

We have finished our first ever Upward Mentoring programme. RISE, one of our Diversity & Inclusion Forum subgroups proposed the idea in the wake of our firm commitment to improve the work we do around allyship. RISE worked with HR, our senior leadership and our Black colleagues as well as those from ethnic minorities to …
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A Letter to the Earth

In the run up to COP26, we have teamed up with Business Declares and Letters to the Earth to help highlight the importance of taking action on climate change now. Martin Bunch, Managing Partner at Bates Wells, has joined other business leader (including CEOs from Triodos, Riverford and Forster Communications) by writing a Letter to …
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What to look for in a dispute resolution and litigation team

There is a misconception that you only need a lawyer who is adept at resolving disputes or litigation when all else has failed; the ‘distressed purchase’ to use as a last resort. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Finding and building a relationship with the right dispute resolution team can be one of …
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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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Changes to the Covid-19 right to work checks guidance

On 20 April 2021, the Home Office updated guidance for employers in relation to carrying out right to work checks during the pandemic. What’s the current procedure? In brief, there are currently 3 ways to check someone’s eligibility to work in the UK. Conducting a manual right to work check; orUsing the Home Office’s online …
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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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Super priority services available for more visa applications made from within the UK

In a welcome move the Home Office has recently expanded its list of applications that are now eligible for priority processing After the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Home Office suspended almost all priority services for processing applications made within the UK. Some of the working and study routes had priority services restored to …
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The Impact Real Estate Forum launches – sharing best practice, premises enhancing positive impact

Bates Wells is leading the charge to help commercial organisations that want to create a positive impact on society and the planet. Whether that’s through better ways of doing business, shifting priorities to measure success in more than just profit, or helping to move on from corporate social responsibility and embrace an ESG agenda. As …
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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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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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Key points to consider for the appointment of non-executive directors of listed or quoted companies

We’ve summarised some of the key points to consider when documenting the terms of appointment. Corporate governance remains a top agenda item for all companies, especially those with shares held in public hands. As one of the main pillars of good corporate governance, boards are expected to have a suitable number of non-executive directors (“NEDs”), …
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