Updates

Could a ‘hardship fund’ help provide critical support to your employees during the current crisis?

As a result of COVID-19 many people are facing increased financial hardship and are at risk of falling into, or have already fallen into, poverty. We have recently received a number of enquiries from individuals, companies and charities asking how they might be able to support employees and former employees in financial need, as well …
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The emerging normal

The impact of COVID-19 presents challenges and opportunities for charity governance. Governance expert Tesse Akpeki suggests steps your board can take to embrace the new normal.
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The agile office – building on the COVID experience

COVID-19 has forced many businesses, some almost overnight, to embrace home working. Our real estate expert Amy O’Gorman talks to Sue Cleverdon of Cleverdon Associates about opportunities for future resilience through agile working.
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Long anticipated changes to society lotteries come into effect

On 29 July 2020, changes to the rules for society lotteries licensed by the Gambling Commission came into effect. Broadly, the changes, which are reflected in the updated Licence conditions and code of practice (LCCP): increase the caps on annual income from society lotteries from £10 million to £50 million (with a pro-rata limit £31,311,475 …
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COVID-19 Concessions: what next?

The Home Office has today published eagerly awaited guidance on the situation of non-EEA nationals in the UK whose ability to make applications or to travel is being impacted by COVID-19. Concessions introduced so far allowed those who have leave to enter or remain in the UK expiring between 24 January 2020 and 31 July …
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Lottery income limits set to boom

After much anticipation, the Gambling Commission has announced that increased lottery income limits for society lotteries will come into force on 29 July 2020. Hannah Lyons and Jess Neville outline the new rules.
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Dispute Resolution FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions While care is taken to ensure the following information is accurate, it is only illustrative. 1. What does litigation mean and what does it involve? 2. What is the difference between litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation? 3. Do I have to become involved in litigation, arbitration, adjudication or mediation? 4. What is the “without prejudice” rule …
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UK visa and settlement option on the way for Hong Kong residents holding British National (Overseas) citizenship

As has been widely reported recently, the UK government has responded to recent Chinese national security legislation by offering a route for people who hold British National (Overseas) citizenship, or “BN(O)”, to live and work in the UK, with the potential to stay here permanently and obtain full British citizenship in due course.  What is …
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Bearing witness in a global pandemic: virtual Will witnessing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced that the law will be changed to allow Wills to be witnessed virtually for the first time. For charities, it is crucial they understand the changes and how it may affect their legacies. Existing law The existing law about Will making is governed by legislation …
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In Kind Direct – providing life’s essentials and caring for those in crisis

In our regular client focus, we look at the work of In Kind Direct and how they have been caring for our communities. In Kind Direct believes that everyone deserves access to life’s essentials and that no usable product should go to waste. We distribute products that companies have donated – such as toiletries, cleaning …
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Build Back Better: Using COVID-19 to accelerate our response to the ecological crisis

The pandemic has been described as a dress rehearsal for tackling the impacts of climate change. Businesses will need to adapt rapidly and systemically in order to mitigate the anticipated disruption and prevent further harms accumulating in relation to both. As Fiona Reynolds, CEO of the PRI Association, recently wrote: “In dealing with the current …
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BatesCast: symbols, slogans and intellectual property in campaigns

When it comes to campaigning on social justice issues, symbols and flags have always played a key role in spreading the message and raising awareness. The CND peace symbol, the rainbow flag, and the Extinction Rebellion logo are all widely recognised around the world.  In this episode, we’re looking at some of the interesting legal …
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