Updates

Hiding in plain sight – paying the price of forever chemicals in fashion

“Nearly every American now has PFAS in their blood.” That stark finding, highlighted by journalist Alden Wicker, captures the scale of a problem that has quietly woven itself into the UK’s modern life – and into the clothes we wear every day. What are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often dubbed “forever chemicals”, are …
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Beacon CRM cybersecurity incident: what charities should do now

Many charities will have seen reports this week of a cybersecurity incident affecting Beacon CRM, a widely used customer relationship management platform in the charity sector. According to Beacon, unauthorised access to its systems resulted in copies of customer database backups being obtained by a third party, potentially affecting data held on behalf of over …
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Faith-based charities and regulatory engagement: prevention and response

The regulatory landscape Regulatory action by the Charity Commission is increasing. There were 18% more regulatory concern cases, 25% more statutory inquiries and just under 60% more inquiry powers used in the Commission’s most recent financial period than its previous one. Common themes for the Commission opening investigations are governance failures, safeguarding issues, conflicts of …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 4 August

Our weekly roundup of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Government news The Chancellor John Healey has announced that the Budget to move “power and money out of Westminster, and into every postcode around Britain” will …
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Update on SOC 3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians: MAC Stage 2 report on the Temporary Shortage List, published 23 July 2026

On 23 July 2026, the Migration Advisory Committee (‘MAC’) published its Stage 2 report on the Temporary Shortage List (‘TSL’), recommending which occupations should remain on the TSL after the current interim list expires on 31 December 2026. The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be replaced by the TSL on 31 December 2026. The TSL …
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Bates Wells clients granted permission to take Public Order Act judicial review to Court

A judicial review challenge brought by Bates Wells clients Lawyers for Animals and Sole Iriart (a campaigner with Camp Beagle) has been granted permission to proceed to a full hearing. The claim argues that the Home Secretary’s designation of the life science sector – including animal testing facilities – as “key national infrastructure” under the …
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When is the right to be accompanied triggered? Reflections from Wolfe v Taka Mayfair Ltd

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) has handed down an important decision on the statutory right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance hearings. In Wolfe v Taka Mayfair Ltd [2026] EAT 106, the EAT confirmed that an employee cannot bring a claim for breach of section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (“the Act”) …
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Using AI may risk waiving confidentiality and legal privilege: Lessons from English case law

Earlier this year, the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber published its judgment on the use of AI and potential waiver of confidentiality and legal privilege. UK v Secretary of State for the Home Department (AI hallucinations; supervision; Hamid) [2026] UKUT 81 (IAC) concerned two joined cases that involved the use of AI by legal professionals …
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Purpose & Impact: your round-up | July

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 Social enterprise Sustainable fashion Climate & biodiversity Sustainable supply chains Impact investing Corporate purpose The Cabinet Office is seeking expressions of interest …
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Panel event: The Economics of Circularity – Fashioning Sustainability for Business Longevity

As part of London Climate Action Week, Bates Wells, in partnership with DEPLOY – the highest scoring fashion B corp globally, convened a panel exploring one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges: how to turn circularity from ambition into commercially viable reality.The panel reflected a breadth of expertise across the value chain. Together, they …
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Getting your club ready for the IFR licensing regime: Key takeaways and next steps

Following our recent webinar on the Independent Football Regulator’s licensing regime, this article summarises the critical points that English men’s football clubs in the top five tiers need to understand and act upon now. Where we stand The IFR has completed its second consultation on the licensing regime with no fundamental changes to the proposed …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 21 July

Our weekly round-up of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Charity Commission The Committee of Privileges has published a report considering the actions of the Charity Commission in relation to parliamentary privilege and two reports laid …
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