Updates

Working with design agencies

Creative agencies can give your brand and content a real boost, and we work with them regularly on rebranding and other projects. But your relationship with them is fundamentally legal in character, and you need to make sure you are not exposed. Mathew Healey looks at the key issues you need to know about. Many …
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Is your name working for you?

There are a whole host of legal and practical issues to consider when a charity rebrands. Somewhere near the top of this list should be – does it need to change its legal name? Or is it sufficient just to adopt a new ‘working name’? Mathew Healey outlines the pros and cons of each approach. …
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Changes to the Immigration Rules coming into force today

Immigration law is a fast-moving field at the best of times but the pace of change has reached new heights in the past few weeks, with frequent updates and new guidance being published by the Home Office in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the flurry of all that activity, it is easy to forget …
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Charities: how to handle complaints

The Fundraising Regulator continues to emphasise the importance of proper complaints handling. Emma Dowden-Teale and Charlotte Blackbourn remind charities how to deal with complaints in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
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Coronavirus Act 2020 – implications for adult social care

In the interests of prioritising scarce public resources, drastic powers were introduced in the Coronavirus Act 2020 (the Act) in respect of key duties under the Care Act 2014, the legislation which sets out local authorities’ duties in relation to assessing people’s needs and eligibility for publicly funded care and support. The Act’s provisions in relation to …
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Beware coronavirus fraud

Top tips for protecting your organisation from opportunistic scams For all of us, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been a time of dramatic, unprecedented change to the way we live and work. Sadly, the more things change, the more some things stay the same, and fraudsters have already begun to use the pandemic as an …
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Coronavirus and your organisation

As the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation gathers momentum, organisations nationwide are assessing how their operations will be affected. What is your duty towards employees and the people your organisation serves? What are the insurance implications? Should you cancel formal meetings and events? We’ve rounded up the key issues you need to consider. Coronavirus in the workplace: …
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Immigration guidance addressing the coronavirus outbreak

In the midst of the global disruption being caused by the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Home Office has published new immigration guidance for those affected by travel restrictions to and from China. There has been no legislation passed and no new immigration rules have been announced. This likely reflects the fast-changing nature of …
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The importance of Safer Internet Day

Tuesday 11th February is Safer Internet Day. Going now for around 16 years, Safer Internet Day will be marked globally with the theme – Together for a Better Internet. Along with thousands of other organisations, Bates Wells has registered its support for this initiative. What is Safer Internet Day? It’s been said that if you …
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Employers facing post-Brexit uncertainty: Chetal Patel comments on Global Talent visa launch

In the run-up to the UK’s official exit from the European Union, Chetal Patel responded to the launch of the Global Talent visa with her thoughts on what recent developments in the field of immigration law mean for employers. Addressing the “pivotal” announcement of the new visa, Chetal makes the point that the development and …
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Jamie Huard blogs for Charity Finance on Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy

Prior to this year’s submission deadline, Jamie Huard has written an explainer for charitable companies detailing what is required of them under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy. Following a summary of why the policy was introduced and what its possible benefits are, Jamie addresses some key questions often asked by charities about …
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BatesCast: UK immigration in the new normal

Navigating the UK immigration system can be a challenge in ordinary times. In the current climate, with many processes suspended and further changes on the horizon, Tim Barnden has been advising clients on managing in the new normal. In today’s episode, we discuss government concessions, continuing appeals, and the challenges faced by people stuck abroad …
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