Resources

Expertise, events, news and updates –
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Impact Focus: A purpose-driven approach to managing workforce disputes and supporting harmonious culture

Bates Wells convenes a regular Impact Counsels’ Forum for senior counsel working within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. The Forum discusses the ‘impact angles’ of the legal and practical issues faced by in-house legal teams. Recently, the Forum explored how purpose-driven organisations can approach internal dispute resolution in ways that ensure purpose-driven …
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Resources and guides for B Corps

We’ve been instrumental in the establishment of B Corporations in the UK and invite you to tap into our experience and expertise. Whether you’re considering B Corp certification and looking for guidance on the process, or are an established B Corp seeking new ways to embed your principles and values further in your business, we …
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Butler-Sloss v Charity Commission: understanding trustee investment duties and powers in the new landscape

In his judgment in Butler-Sloss & Ors v The Charity Commission for England and Wales & Anor [2022] EWHC 974 (Ch) (29 April 2022), Mr Justice Michael Green summarises the law in relation to charity trustees taking into account ‘non-financial considerations’ when exercising their powers of investment.[1] In this explanatory note, we highlight the ten …
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Understanding the Purpose & Impact landscape: The Impact Economy Policy Mapping Initiative

In 2020, an initiative began to trial a new approach to understanding what policy activity is happening across the ‘Impact Economy’; a term used to describe the ecosystem of commercial activities and actors that integrate social and environmental impact into the pursuit of profit. This work has been conducted by Shirah Z Mansaray, a PhD …
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Subsidy Control Act receives Royal Assent: key points to note

The Subsidy Control Act (the UK’s domestic equivalent of the EU state aid regime following Brexit) has received Royal Assent.  The operative parts of the Act are expected to be brought into force in Autumn 2022.  Key points to note are: Public authorities will be responsible for self-assessing subsidies they intend to grant against the seven …
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Bates Wells acts in landmark High Court ruling allowing trustees to prioritise climate change mitigation over financial returns in investments

A landmark High Court ruling today has confirmed that trustees of charitable trusts are allowed to prioritise the climate change outcomes of their investments even if it risks reducing financial returns. With charities in England and Wales holding over £150bn in long term investments, the decision could have a significant impact. Mr Justice Michael Green …
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Bates Wells attends Better Business Day in Westminster

The 20th April marked a year since the launch of the Better Business campaign, which calls for the introduction of the Better Business Act, a change in legislation that would transform the way Britain does business so every company would not be run solely to generate shareholder profit. Together with over 1,000 other businesses, Bates …
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Bates Wells appoints new partner, Nirav Patel, to join corporate practice

We’re delighted to welcome Nirav Patel as a partner in our Corporate practice, where he will strengthen the firm’s M&A advisory offering and bring a wealth of experience in advising ESG-focused companies. Nirav has 10 years’ experience advising financial institutions such as private equity funds, UK and foreign government-backed funds and development finance organisations. Nirav …
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Managing investigations: a guide for charities

Investigations and inquiries are a difficult fact of life for charities, social enterprises and other public interest organisations. What are the key legal considerations? In this guide, we focus on investigations – both internal and external – and ask: • What’s the best way to respond to an external investigation? • How should you navigate …
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Mitigation, not litigation: let us help you avoid costly disputes

Our dispute resolution health check can identify and remedy potential issues that could cause you a problem in the future. Read more on how the health check could help your organisation.
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3 Key Changes to UK immigration law that employers need to know from April 2022

In the past month, we’ve seen some significant changes to UK immigration law, including changes to the Immigration Rules which further the UKVI’s ‘Plan for Growth’ – a pledge to recruit and retain top talent in the UK – and more movement in the direction of digitisation. As staff are the lifeblood of any organisation, …
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Covid-19 Inquiry: Organisations submit their responses

Following the closure of the public consultation on the Covid-19 Inquiry’s terms of reference, some organisations have made their responses to the Inquiry public. By way of example, in recent days, we have seen JUSTICE and the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Ltd (available here) publish their responses. The NHS Confederation published their response …
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