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Fuelling positive change: NCVO launches new campaign encouraging charities to divest from fossil fuels

NCVO has launched a campaign encouraging charities to ‘consider moving investments away from businesses involved in the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of fossil fuels. Examples of these are coal, tar sands, oil and gas.’ NCVO will be hosting a series of events over the Autumn to explore the ways in which charities can …
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Election ’24: The data protection considerations of political campaigning (part two)

Communicating with individuals and processing personal data are an essential part of campaigning and advocacy. Read our latest Election '24 factsheet on the data protection rules that you should bear in mind.
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Bates Wells advises Ripple Energy on £20m co-operative share raise

Bates Wells has advised on the £20m co-operative share offer to fund Ripple Energy’s third project. The transaction is likely to be the largest ever UK co-operative share offer achieved in a single raise and will enable construction of the c.40MW Derril Water solar park in Devon. When built, the solar park will have about …
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Tony’s Chocolonely’s Golden Share Model

A common question we hear from founders is: how can they ensure the longevity of their business’ mission? Dutch B Corp confectionary company Tony’s Chocolonely recently announced its use of a ‘golden share’ model to protect its mission. We consider the benefits of a golden share model for purpose-driven businesses.  It is possible for a …
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Ofqual consults on long-term resilience arrangements – have your say now

If you work for an awarding body, school or college, have your say! Ofqual is jointly consulting with the Department for Education (DfE) on long-term resilience arrangements. This builds on the arrangements put in place for the 2023 exam series (which were consulted separately on). These resilience arrangements are to ensure that, in the unlikely …
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EdTech and the application of the ICO Children’s Code

In this factsheet, we briefly outline when the ICO's Children's Code applies to Edtech providers and other key data protection considerations for schools and Edtech service providers.
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The Charities Act 2022, explained: permanent endowment and restricted funds

In this blog we look at the changes to the rules affecting a charity’s permanent endowment and other restricted funds. What do you need to know? Many charities, including incorporated charities, hold funds which are subject to restrictions in relation to how they may be spent. These funds can be established in different ways, including …
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Charities Act 2022 – get ready for the second tranche of provisions due in tomorrow!

As a reminder, the Charities Act 2022 was passed last year, but the provisions did not come into force straight away, primarily to allow time for the Charity Commission to update its guidance and get ready for the new provisions. The provisions are being phased in over about 18 months and the first tranche came …
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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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