Resources

Expertise, events, news and updates –
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Going beyond compliance: Responsible and ethical AI

Bates Wells convenes a regular Impact Counsels’ Forum for senior counsel working within purpose-driven businesses. A recent meeting of the forum discussed the regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence (AI), the risks of using AI in certain contexts and what approaches could help businesses deploy AI responsibly. Inspired by the forum discussion, we share our thoughts …
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Election ’24: Data protection and political campaigning (part one)

Communicating with individuals and processing personal data are an essential part of any political campaign. But it is important to ensure that this is done in a lawful, proportionate and transparent way. What are the rules? Broadly, there are two key regimes that organisations need to consider when handling personal data as part of their …
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In the news: Paul Jennings speaks on the risk of substitution clauses in contracts

A recent Sunday Times investigation found that app-based food delivery companies allow couriers to let out their profiles, but often those who use them are vulnerable, undocumented migrants who are exploited. Paul Jennings spoke with journalist Venetia Menzies about substitution clauses – the loophole which allows those working for app-based courier companies to allow someone …
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DMCC Bill update: call for written evidence

Parliament has issued a ‘call for evidence’ from anyone with “relevant expertise and experience or a special interest” in areas covered by the DMCC Bill. If you want your point of view to be heard, you need to send your submission to the Committee as soon as possible.
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In the news: Chetal Patel on the rise in non-EU immigration to UK

Partner and Head of Immigration Chetal Patel was quoted in People Management, Personnel Today and I News last week for sharing her insight on what the rise in non-EU immigration to UK means for the economy and businesses. Figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics have revealed that net migration to the …
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Public Law: political set-pieces, the pandemic and technological revolution

To “live in interesting times”.  For some a curse.  For others an ambition: but whichever camp you’re in, there’s no doubt we do find ourselves in interesting times – right now – in the field of Public Law.  Public law: the law as it applies to public bodies – e.g. central and local government, the …
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Patagonia: rethinking corporate governance through steward-ownership

In late 2022, global outdoor clothing and equipment business Patagonia made major changes to its corporate structure, highlighting the creative options available to founders wishing to embed purpose into the fabric of their organisation. In this update, Bates Wells explores some of the key learnings from Patagonia’s example, and how the ‘steward-ownership’ approach can help …
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An Essential Guide to IR35: What does your organisation need to know?

First introduced in 2000, the IR35 regime aims to minimise the avoidance of tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) where an individual contractor is engaged by a client via the contractor’s own intermediary such as a personal service company (PSC). Historically, the rules provided that the responsibility for assessing tax status and, where appropriate, deducting …
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The DMCC Bill: a major upgrade to competition and consumer law?

Following a protracted build-up, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill (the Bill) is working its way through parliament. One of the most significant developments in competition and consumer law in over a decade, it heralds a new legislative era empowering the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to act against businesses who abuse their strategic …
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Election ’24: Publishing advocacy materials or political statements

Here are some key issues to look out for when publishing advocacy materials or political statements ahead of a general election (many of these issues will apply regardless of whether there is an election coming, but of course public activity may be more likely to be scrutinised in the sensitive pre-election period): Election law Spending …
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Watch again | Halal investment for Muslim charities | 17th May

Our webinar Halal investment for Muslim charities took place on 17th May. If you were able to attend, we hope you found it useful. You can find the webinar recording below. During this session, we considered the latest legal developments, and discussed how trustees can manage investment risk. We also covered a variety of investments including property …
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Election ’24: Charities and campaigning ahead of a general election

In spite of myths to the contrary, the vast majority of charities can campaign and engage in policy advocacy in the run up to elections, making the most of the opportunity that a pre-election period presents for furthering a charity’s purposes through policy and political work. Provided that your governing document does not expressly restrict …
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