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Gina Mok v The Lansdowne Club: a significant judgment for how social clubs are entitled to operate

Following a 5-day trial last month, the judgment of the High Court has been released in the case of Gina Mok v The Lansdowne Club.    Bates Wells (Leticia Jennings and Katy Sawyer) and David Reade KC acted for the Lansdowne Club throughout, and Mr Justice Ritchie has dismissed Gina Mok’s claim in its entirety. …
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UK Budget 2024: What does it mean for the charity sector

Yesterday, the Chancellor delivered what must be one of the most highly anticipated and politically charged Budget announcements in recent years. There has been a great deal of speculation of what was to be included and so it is good to know, with certainty, what tax changes are to be implemented so that organisations can …
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Bates Wells advises on the sale of law firm FBC Manby Bowdler

Bates Wells has advised the partners of law firm FBC Manby Bowdler in connection with the investment of £30m by Horizon Capital and becoming the platform firm of a new firm, Adeptio Law Group. FBC Manby Bowdler is a full service, 200 strong law firm based in the Midlands. This represents the first investment for …
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Tougher Greenwashing Rules will cover charities

From recycled cards and coffee cups to paraben-free candles and creams, the environmentally friendly retail offerings of the UK charity sector (offered both online and in-store) are extensive. Many consumers look to charities they trust to purchase products which support a good cause and, at the same time, cause less harm to the planet… which …
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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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