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#CountdownToTheDuty: Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace

From 26 October 2024, employers will be under a new legal duty proactively to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces. The last two weeks we’ve been taking a closer look at what this means, sharing daily tips for employers in the lead up to this new duty coming into force. Here’s our …
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Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling may extend whistleblower protections to charity trustees

On Monday, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) published its judgment in the case of Dr Nigel MacLennan and the British Psychological Society (BPS). Dr MacLennan was serving as a trustee and President-Elect of the British Psychological Society when he was expelled as a member in May 2021. This expulsion followed his reporting of allegations against …
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Cabinet Office survey on the National Procurement Policy Statement – an opportunity for mission driven procurement?

The Procurement Act 2023, which promises a major overhaul of public procurement law, will now take effect on 24 February 2025. It had previously been due to go live on 28 October 2024 but was delayed by the new Labour Government in early September (as we explained previously). The reason given for the delay was …
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Green claims, greenwashing and green hushing: Developing a strategy for purpose-driven businesses to talk about impact

Bates Wells convenes the Impact Counsels’ Forum, a regular meeting of senior lawyers and other leaders working at purpose-driven businesses including B Corps and impact investors. Recently, we were delighted to be joined by Debra Sobel, Co-Founder and CEO at Verity London, who set the frame for discussion of the regulatory framework around ‘green claims’ …
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Realise your purpose: How Immigration and hybrid working are shaping the future of workforce diversity

Realise Your Purpose is a Bates Wells campaign to help commercial organisations consider, decide on and implement their ESG goals. From governance to people, and from contracts to real estate, this series will provide insight and guidance for business leaders and senior decision makers on the first steps in their sustainability journey.   The global landscape …
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A social investment power for statutory charities and Royal Charter bodies

By this stage, most charities have likely considered whether they could, and should, engage in social investments: activities which may both directly further the charity’s purposes and achieve a financial return. And, if not (or if it has been a while) the amendment of the regime in the Charities Act 2022 may have put it …
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Eleonor Duhs published in PDP journal: The Problem with Data Sharing

In certain contexts, data sharing crosses the line between being useful from being absolutely vital. Yet, significant misunderstandings about the dangers of data sharing, and the reluctance to share data even in situations where that data sharing is either innocuous or in the public interest, appears widespread. Eleonor Duhs, Partner and Head of Data and …
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Strategic litigation: how charities can use the law as a force for good

Strategic litigation is an exciting and increasingly important topic and charities are at the forefront. From challenging government policies to highlighting greenwashing, participating in inquiries and supporting others to bring or defend claims, litigation can be a valuable tool in pursuing charitable purposes, raising awareness and driving change. On 24 September 2024, we hosted a …
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Our B Corp recertification results: a commitment to being, and doing, better

In August we received the news from B Lab that their extensive verification checks had been completed and our third recertification as a B Corp was successful with a confirmed score of 140.2. This is an increase of more than 23 points since we last recertified in 2021 and puts us amongst the top scoring …
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Watch again | Strategic litigation: how charities can use the law as a force for good | 24 September 2024

In this webinar, we were joined by Paul Benson (ClientEarth), Jake White (WWF UK), Joss Saunders (Oxfam) and Bonike Bracewell (Save the Children UK) to discuss how charities can use the law to create a widespread positive impact for people and the planet. We discussed how strategic litigation can help charities to achieve their goals, …
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UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme rollout timetable finally confirmed

The government has finally announced further rollout dates for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. As one of many steps being taken by the Government towards achieving its aims of digitising the UK border and immigration system, it’s important that employers and individuals are aware and start preparing now for these changes. What’s changing? The …
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What next for activists in light of the trial of Just Stop Oil M25 protestors?

On 18 July 2024, five protestors (including the co-founder of Just Stop Oil) were convicted of conspiring intentionally to cause a public nuisance, contrary to section 78 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977. These offences related to protests on the M25 across four …
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