Updates

Relationship breakdown and immigration status: advice for family lawyers

Family lawyers will often find themselves dealing with a marriage or relationship breakdown where the immigration status of one or both of the parties may be vulnerable. In such situations it will be vital to have a good grip on how the relationship breakdown may impact on the immigration status, as making the wrong move …
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People and culture group discussion: climate change & the workplace

We recently hosted a discussion with a range of HR professionals from fellow B Corps. The session focussed on the issue of climate change & the workplace and what employers can do to support their employees in this space. This note covers: We also hosted group discussions about: Download the below summary of the discussion to find …
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Election ’24: New transparency requirements (‘imprints’) ahead of elections

In this week's factsheet, we've joined forces with the Electoral Commission to set out the key requirements of the 'imprint' regime, an additional set of rules under election law that can apply when publishing advocacy and campaigning content.
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Trade unions – recognition, collaboration and meaningful action

Strike action has become a regular feature of the news over the last 12 months, with strikes across the transport network and NHS receiving a huge amount of coverage and impacting the delivery of key services. We’re also seeing a significant increase in union activity across our client base, including in the education and not …
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Election ’24: The data protection considerations of political campaigning (part two)

Communicating with individuals and processing personal data are an essential part of campaigning and advocacy. Read our latest Election '24 factsheet on the data protection rules that you should bear in mind.
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Tony’s Chocolonely’s Golden Share Model

A common question we hear from founders is: how can they ensure the longevity of their business’ mission? Dutch B Corp confectionary company Tony’s Chocolonely recently announced its use of a ‘golden share’ model to protect its mission. We consider the benefits of a golden share model for purpose-driven businesses.  It is possible for a …
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Ofqual consults on long-term resilience arrangements – have your say now

If you work for an awarding body, school or college, have your say! Ofqual is jointly consulting with the Department for Education (DfE) on long-term resilience arrangements. This builds on the arrangements put in place for the 2023 exam series (which were consulted separately on). These resilience arrangements are to ensure that, in the unlikely …
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EdTech and the application of the ICO Children’s Code

In this factsheet, we briefly outline when the ICO's Children's Code applies to Edtech providers and other key data protection considerations for schools and Edtech service providers.
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The Charities Act 2022, explained: permanent endowment and restricted funds

In this blog we look at the changes to the rules affecting a charity’s permanent endowment and other restricted funds. What do you need to know? Many charities, including incorporated charities, hold funds which are subject to restrictions in relation to how they may be spent. These funds can be established in different ways, including …
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Charities Act 2022 – get ready for the second tranche of provisions due in tomorrow!

As a reminder, the Charities Act 2022 was passed last year, but the provisions did not come into force straight away, primarily to allow time for the Charity Commission to update its guidance and get ready for the new provisions. The provisions are being phased in over about 18 months and the first tranche came …
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Going beyond compliance: Responsible and ethical AI

Bates Wells convenes a regular Impact Counsels’ Forum for senior counsel working within purpose-driven businesses. A recent meeting of the forum discussed the regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence (AI), the risks of using AI in certain contexts and what approaches could help businesses deploy AI responsibly. Inspired by the forum discussion, we share our thoughts …
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Election ’24: Data protection and political campaigning (part one)

Communicating with individuals and processing personal data are an essential part of any political campaign. But it is important to ensure that this is done in a lawful, proportionate and transparent way. What are the rules? Broadly, there are two key regimes that organisations need to consider when handling personal data as part of their …
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