Resources

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The Charity Commission published new guidance on online safety in its updated safeguarding guidance. What’s new?

As the Commission continues to look into safeguarding issues, this is a timely opportunity to ensure your charity is complying with the Safeguarding Guidance, which applies to all charities and not just those which work with children and/or adults at risk. On Thursday 17 November 2021, mid-way though Adult Safeguarding Week, the Charity Commission published …
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Bates Wells celebrates Disability History Month 2021

This year we marked Disability History Month with a panel discussion focused on one of 2021’s themes, Disability and Hidden Impairment. An award-winning author on the topic joined our internal panellists who discussed their own experiences as well as how we better develop a workplace culture that supports people living with invisible disability or chronic …
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Rachel Mathieson wins Rising Star of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2021 for her role in the Uber litigation

Rachel is a Senior Associate in Bates Wells’ Employment team who qualified in 2014. Alongside Employment Partner Paul Jennings, Rachel successfully represented the two test Claimants taking on Uber in the Supreme Court, in a landmark case concerning the employment rights of an estimated 45,000 drivers across London. The case will have enormous implications for …
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Building purpose into your business: Bates Wells writes for Business Reporter

As more businesses look to operate more responsibly, what are the main factors to consider? And how can you avoid greenwashing? Angela Monaghan, Purpose and Impact Lead, shares her top tips as part of Business Reporter’s Future of Responsible Business series. “There is a growing concern in the UK that capitalism in its current form …
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Video: Luke Fletcher explains the Better Business Act, for Business Reporter

How could the Better Business Act drive action to make business more sustainable? Luke Fletcher elaborates in this new video for Business Reporter’s Future of Responsible Business series. The Better Business Act is a proposed piece of legislation that could rewrite the rules for businesses in the UK. It would require businesses to not only …
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Spotlight: charity law and governance

During our brief intermission, catch-up on the latest in charity law and governance. Mark Abbott provides an overview of updates from across the sector. If you enjoy this mini-webinar, why not join one of our upcoming full webinars: Employment update, 12 January 3pmAn extended version of the mini-webinar you are watching. This instalment will keep …
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Conscious consumerism may help save the planet: Bates Wells writes for Business Reporter

As modern consumers shift their buying habits and the market increasingly demands businesses behave responsibly, what’s stopping companies from becoming more purposeful and impact-driven? Martin Bunch dispels some misconceptions in a new piece for Business Reporter’s Future of Responsible Business series. “Today’s consumers are shifting their buying habits. A new wave of ‘conscious consumerism’ has …
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Managing in a crisis: a guide for charities

We’ve sought to set out the practical steps charities can take – and points to consider – if a crisis hits. Our aim is always to help clients avoid a crisis in the first place, and our experience shows that good planning and governance are critical. However, a crisis can come from unexpected quarters – …
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Bates Wells to give oral evidence to the House of Lords committee on the Charities Bill

As charities recover from the worst of the pandemic, a set of reforms that will result in estimated costs savings of £28 million over 10 years is a welcome development. A decade after the Law Commission’s Eleventh Programme of Law Reform was published, the Charities Bill is currently being examined by a House of Lords …
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Covid jab: what do you need to know from an HR perspective?

Since the announcement of the government’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, several UK employers have stated that they will be setting up systems to track which of their staff have received the vaccine. Others have gone a step further and announced that they will be amending their contracts of employment to include a requirement that their staff …
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What impact will Companies House reforms have on charities and CIOs?

As BEIS proposes changes to the powers of Companies House, and company filing requirements, Bates Wells asks: are the needs of small and medium sized charitable companies being taken into account? The government has proposed a wide range of reforms to Companies House procedures – and opened three consultations on aspects of the reforms in …
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Top five legal tips for rebranding

Rebranding is a big step for any organisation. We can help you to plot your course and avoid legal pitfalls. The benefits of a rebrand extend far beyond a smart new logo or colour scheme.Your rebrand could tie in with your company ethos, the tones of your communications and many other things. Our branding and …
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