Updates

TAR Network and Bates Wells launch legal guide for charities on investing in healthcare solutions

Together with the Translating and Accelerating Research (TAR) Network, we have created a legal guide for charities on investing in healthcare solutions. This guide demystifies the legal and tax frameworks, and provides case studies from a range of charities on how they have made these investments. The TAR Network brings together charities, investors, and service …
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The latest Employment Rights Bill proposals: six month qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection and complete removal of the limit on compensatory awards?

Following the recent stalemate between the House of Commons and House of Lords on a number of key provisions in the Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”), on 5 December 2025 the Government confirmed that a number of significant changes will be made to the draft Bill, including: There will also be further amendments to address the …
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EHRC Services Code: updated draft still awaiting Government approval

What is the EHRC Services Code and why is it being updated? The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) submitted an updated draft of its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations (“Services Code”) to the Government for approval on around 5 September 2025. It has been updated to reflect the Supreme Court’s …
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Top ten tips for charities looking to use AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges for charities. According to the Charity Digital Skills Report 76% of charities are already using AI in some form. As AI becomes embedded in charitable operations and digital services, it is essential for charities to understand the unique risks involved. These include ethical, legal, …
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New powers give charities another way to recover money lost to crime

Charities that have been the victims of fraud or cybercrime should be looking at the full range of options at their disposal to recover funds through the courts. People say they never forget that sickening feeling when they realise they have been the victim of a fraud or scam. When the victim is your charity, …
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Is your charity under a new legal duty to prevent fraud? 

From 1 September 2025, some charities will face a new compliance obligation under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: the corporate offence of failure to prevent fraud. This legislation is designed to hold large organisations accountable when individuals acting on their behalf commit fraud, intended to benefit the charity or its beneficiaries, and …
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Levelling the playing field? Government launches voluntary Code for prize draw operators

Why the Code was introduced Prize draws, also known as “free draws”, have become a booming industry in the UK, worth an estimated £1.3 billion annually and attracting over 7.4 million adult participants. Unlike society lotteries, which are tightly regulated by the Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005 and must comply with various requirements …
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Sports National Governing Bodies and charitable status

Sports National Governing Bodies are responsible for overseeing the administration of their sports. The sports they administer vary from lucrative sports with a global audience, to more niche sports played mostly at an amateur level. Each NGB operates in unique circumstances and faces its own challenges. However, one thing that all NGBs have in common …
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Founders Series: Jessica Stack, Wavelength

We recently sat down with Jessica Stack, Co-founder of Wavelength. Wavelength is a UK based leadership development and executive education business with a global reach. It was fascinating to discuss Jessica’s journey, from the beginning of her journey in theatre set design, to the creation of Wavelength and her inspiring advice for up-and-coming founders. Jessica discusses her …
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Unusual use of powers: DCMS purports to change effect of Act of Parliament by commencement SI

On 14 November, Civil Society minister Stephanie Peacock signed a statutory instrument, to bring into force the beleaguered provisions on “ex gratia” moral payments in the Charities Act 2022 with effect from today, 27 November. The regulations exclude certain property in the collections of 16 statutory national museums and galleries – and in doing so …
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Update on the Employment Rights Bill: Parliamentary ping pong continues

The Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”) is still in the process of making its, rather torturous, way through Parliament; with the House of Commons and House of Lords remaining in disagreement over a number of key provisions. The Government began four ERB consultations in October On 23 October 2025, the Government began consultations in relation to …
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From merriment to misconduct: preventing sexual harassment in the workplace during the festive party season

The festive season is fast approaching, and many organisations will be in the midst of planning end of year parties for their staff before the holiday period starts. This is, for many, a time for celebration; during which employers reward their staff, and colleagues socialise in a more informal setting. That’s great! What’s the problem? …
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