Updates

Strategic litigation and the water crisis

A few weeks ago, the March for Clean Water swept through London, with thousands demanding action on water pollution. The scale of the crisis is undeniable; only 14% of English rivers are ranked as having “good” or better ecological status, and over 10% of our freshwater and wetland species are threatened with extinction.[1] The Labour …
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Changing seasons heralding changes to private rented sector

This month we saw a test case brought in the High Court by a group of registered social landlords in Wales who sought clarification on whether contract-holders were required to pay rent whilst a landlord was in breach of their obligation to provide them with electrical condition reports.   The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 …
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Managing member disputes: what’s changed for social and private members’ clubs?

In the recent case of Gina Mok v The Lansdowne Club, Mr Justice Ritchie dismissed Gina Mok’s claim against The Lansdowne Club in its entirety. Bates Wells Leticia Jennings  and Katy Sawyer and David Reade KC acted for the Club throughout, and our statement about the judgment can be found here. A significant case for social and private members’ …
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Impact investing: key trends for 2024 and beyond

With increased awareness about the need for impactful decision-making, business operations and investments (both on a personal and corporate level), it is unsurprising that the rise in impact investing continues. The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) estimates that over 3,907 organizations currently manage $1.571 trillion USD in impact investing AUM worldwide, representing 21% compound annual …
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How corporate foundations can help give life to a purpose-driven business’ impact goals

Do you want to create greater positive impact that goes beyond your business? If you do, you might want to think about setting up a corporate foundation. In the UK, corporate foundations are usually registered charities set up by a commercial company. A corporate foundation works in long-term partnership with the business, maintaining a level …
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Strategic litigation roundtable: the present and the future, the threats and the opportunities

On 6 November 2024, we hosted a group of experts and leaders from charities, campaign groups and funding organisations to discuss the current strategic litigation landscape in the UK and the opportunities (and challenges) it presents for claimants. We reflected on the huge recent successes claimants have had, both domestically and in the international courts. …
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Getting granular about our science-based target

Greenwashing is a growing risk and these days everyone seems to be making claims about their environmental credentials. So, in this world of increasing misinformation and fake news, how can we (and others) be sure that claims about carbon reduction are legitimate? Being open and transparent about green claims will bring us very quickly to …
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UK Budget 2024: What does it mean for the charity sector

Yesterday, the Chancellor delivered what must be one of the most highly anticipated and politically charged Budget announcements in recent years. There has been a great deal of speculation of what was to be included and so it is good to know, with certainty, what tax changes are to be implemented so that organisations can …
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Tougher Greenwashing Rules will cover charities

From recycled cards and coffee cups to paraben-free candles and creams, the environmentally friendly retail offerings of the UK charity sector (offered both online and in-store) are extensive. Many consumers look to charities they trust to purchase products which support a good cause and, at the same time, cause less harm to the planet… which …
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#CountdownToTheDuty: Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace

From 26 October 2024, employers will be under a new legal duty proactively to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces. The last two weeks we’ve been taking a closer look at what this means, sharing daily tips for employers in the lead up to this new duty coming into force. Here’s our …
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Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling may extend whistleblower protections to charity trustees

On Monday, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) published its judgment in the case of Dr Nigel MacLennan and the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr MacLennan was serving as a trustee and President-Elect of the British Psychological Society when he was expelled as a member in May 2021. This expulsion followed his reporting of allegations against …
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Cabinet Office survey on the National Procurement Policy Statement – an opportunity for mission driven procurement?

The Procurement Act 2023, which promises a major overhaul of public procurement law, will now take effect on 24 February 2025. It had previously been due to go live on 28 October 2024 but was delayed by the new Labour Government in early September (as we explained previously). The reason given for the delay was …
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