Updates

Kick starting your return to the office in 2022 – what did we learn?

Our real estate and employment teams recently held a series of roundtables for members of our charity, corporate occupier, and B Corp/ purposeful business network to share their experiences and ideas around returning to the office. What did we learn?
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Bringing people and the workplace back together: growing social capital through real estate

We continue our reflection on the subject of Bates Wells’ recent Impact Counsels’ Forum, for general counsels working in impact-driven businesses. In part one, we considered how the post-pandemic landscape has changed expectations of the workplace, indicating the need for organisations to develop their strategies for people and premises in tandem. In part two, we …
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Bringing people and the workplace back together: making the link between the ‘E’ and ‘S’ in ESG.

We share our thoughts on the role of the physical workplace in ensuring the wellbeing of the workforce, inspired by some of the discussion and ideas at the recent Impact Counsel’s Forum Bates Wells convenes a regular forum for general counsel working within B Corps, impact investors and purpose-driven businesses of different kinds in our …
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Further Home Office update on digital right to work check tool

The Home Office has updated the employer’s guide to right to work checks with further detail about digital identity verification. What is digital identity verification? Identification Document Validation Technology (“IDVT”) is a means of digitally verifying an individual’s identity. In some cases, from 6 April 2022, employers will be able to use accredited providers of …
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Responsible supply chain management – our top tips

Responsible supply chain management means considering social and environmental factors when choosing and then managing relationships with your suppliers. So effectively, not just going for the cheapest provider if that means a negative social or environmental impact. More now than ever we are seeing a shift in corporate behaviour towards the concept of responsibility. Environmental, …
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Spotlight: Employment law update

During our brief intermission, catch-up on the latest ongoings in employment law which directly affect your organisaiton. Paul Seath provides practical commentary on case law and legislation developments and give you a host of ideas to help you add value to your role. If you enjoy this mini-webinar, why not join one of our upcoming …
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Mediation: An Essential Guide for HR Professionals

Workplace disputes are on the rise, and the importance of mediation is becoming increasingly clear.  The advantages of workplace mediation are significant.  It can assist with: Resolving, what would otherwise be, damaging disputes at an early stage;Preserving and improving important working relationships; andAvoiding the cost (both in terms of time and expense) associated with dealing …
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Legal solutions to the biodiversity crisis

Over the last 2 years (since Jan 2020) we have worked with a range of people including Michelle Meagher and Ben Metz to consider how the law can be used to provide solutions to tackle the biodiversity crisis. This work has focused mainly on the legal sector. However, there are lessons to be learnt from …
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Sustainability & Wellbeing in Real Estate

This research paper was produced by Shirah Mansaray, PHD candidate at University College London and supervised by Bates Wells partners. It dives into key themes around sustainability and wellbeing in real estate by drawing upon research and case studies from key industry stakeholders. We’re pleased to share a copy of the full paper, as well …
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2021 Faith-based update

Download our yearly round-up of useful tips for faith-based organisations In this edition, we cover: Read our Faith Based Update here. For an important update to Aisha Choudhry’s article on major changes to UK immigration law over the last year in light of both Brexit and the pandemic, please see the recent U-Turn in Home …
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U-turn in Home Office policy

Temporary Covid-19 adjusted right to work checks remain in place until 20 June 2021 Following lobbying from immigration practitioners, employers and various employment groups, the Home Office has confirmed today (12 May 2021) that temporary Covid-19 adjusted right to work checks will now end on 20 June 2021 (inclusive). What do you need to know? …
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Real estate update: Break rights and the pandemic

When your current office space is no longer required, your organisation might want to utilise the break right to bring a lease to an end early. For this to be successful, you must strictly adhere to any pre-conditions set out in the lease for the exercise of the break right. To help you do this, …
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