Updates

Fundraising Regulator – new self-reporting regime

At its annual meeting, in March 2022 the Fundraising Regulator launched a new self-reporting tool, which will allow organisations to self-report fundraising incidents where there may have been a  breach of the Code of Fundraising Practice to the Fundraising Regulator. The introduction of the self-reporting tool comes at the same time as the Fundraising Regulator …
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Impact Focus: A purpose-driven approach to managing workforce disputes and supporting harmonious culture

Bates Wells convenes a regular Impact Counsels’ Forum for senior counsel working within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. The Forum discusses the ‘impact angles’ of the legal and practical issues faced by in-house legal teams. Recently, the Forum explored how purpose-driven organisations can approach internal dispute resolution in ways that ensure purpose-driven …
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Resources and guides for B Corps

We’ve been instrumental in the establishment of B Corporations in the UK and invite you to tap into our experience and expertise. Whether you’re considering B Corp certification and looking for guidance on the process, or are an established B Corp seeking new ways to embed your principles and values further in your business, we …
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Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission: understanding trustee investment duties and powers in the new landscape

In his judgment in Butler-Sloss & Ors v The Charity Commission for England and Wales & Anor [2022] EWHC 974 (Ch) (29 April 2022), Mr Justice Michael Green summarises the law in relation to charity trustees taking into account ‘non-financial considerations’ when exercising their powers of investment.[1] In this explanatory note, we highlight the ten …
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Understanding the Purpose & Impact landscape: The Impact Economy Policy Mapping Initiative

In 2020, an initiative began to trial a new approach to understanding what policy activity is happening across the ‘Impact Economy’; a term used to describe the ecosystem of commercial activities and actors that integrate social and environmental impact into the pursuit of profit. This work has been conducted by Shirah Z Mansaray, a PhD …
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Subsidy Control Act receives Royal Assent: key points to note

The Subsidy Control Act (the UK’s domestic equivalent of the EU state aid regime following Brexit) has received Royal Assent.  The operative parts of the Act are expected to be brought into force in Autumn 2022.  Key points to note are: Public authorities will be responsible for self-assessing subsidies they intend to grant against the seven …
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Managing investigations: a guide for charities

Investigations and inquiries are a difficult fact of life for charities, social enterprises and other public interest organisations. What are the key legal considerations? In this guide, we focus on investigations – both internal and external – and ask: • What’s the best way to respond to an external investigation? • How should you navigate …
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3 Key Changes to UK immigration law that employers need to know from April 2022

In the past month, we’ve seen some significant changes to UK immigration law, including changes to the Immigration Rules which further the UKVI’s ‘Plan for Growth’ – a pledge to recruit and retain top talent in the UK – and more movement in the direction of digitisation. As staff are the lifeblood of any organisation, …
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Covid-19 Inquiry: Organisations submit their responses

Following the closure of the public consultation on the Covid-19 Inquiry’s terms of reference, some organisations have made their responses to the Inquiry public. By way of example, in recent days, we have seen JUSTICE and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Ltd (available here) publish their responses. The NHS Confederation published their response …
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3 things you must do to ensure your organisation complies with Data Protection rules following relaxation of Covid-19 measures

During the past two years of the Covid pandemic, a lot of extra personal data would have been collected. While many Covid-19 rules have been relaxed, data protection rules remain. So, as you look to the future don’t forget to consider whether that extra data is still required. To help, these are some key steps …
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Responding to a humanitarian crises – legal issues

Charities across the sector have been taking action to respond to the war in Ukraine and have been encountering some common legal questions in the process. When taking action in a humanitarian crisis, like the war in Ukraine or crises in Afghanistan and Gaza, our charity clients frequently encounter some common legal issues. We’ve prepared …
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Stepping stones to sustainability: Improve the sustainability of your real estate in 5 steps

We break sustainability challenges down into manageable chunks to help organisations meet their ESG aspirations and take action on climate change and social injustice through the way that they operate. Our Stepping stones to sustainability series will walk you through practical services that we can offer to help you make efficient and effective changes, and …
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