Public & Regulatory

A team of genuine subject experts – dedicated exclusively to public & regulatory law.

Members of our team have worked previously in government departments, in-house for commercial organisations, and in the non-profit sector. We act for individuals, charities, campaign groups, companies, regulators and public bodies; we are as experienced in bringing claims as we are in advising organisations on how to avoid – or defend - them.

This breadth and depth of experience means we are able to advise on public law, policy and regulatory issues in the round. We keep sight of the bigger picture and your unique objectives.

Whether you are seeking advice on your internal processes and policies, facing a judicial review challenge, appearing before a public inquiry or inquest, or considering bringing a challenge, our team can help.


How we help

As we act for regulators and regulated bodies, we see issues from every side and hold public authorities to account whenever we need to.

We’re specialists in judicial reviews. If you’re facing a challenge, we can move quickly – especially in the earliest stages, where we can readily mount claims without involving counsel.

We’ll also advise on:

  • Procedural fairness and human rights issues
  • Sound decision making
  • Regulatory, legislative and policy drafting; including codes of conduct and dispute processes
  • Implementing statutory and regulatory requirements into your processes and procedures
  • Tribunal claims, statutory appeals and inquiries
  • Public sector audit law.
Explore

A safer life online for children: Ofcom’s call to action

If your organisation hosts online forums or other communities where users can interact online, you may need to take action under Ofcom’s new codes on child safety. Charities advocating for online safety for children and women will also be interested in the implications of these codes, as well as Ofcom’s current consultation on protecting women …
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Bates Wells and Fair Game drive key improvements in Football Governance Bill as it advances in Parliament

The Football Governance Bill has received its first reading in the House of Commons, having passed through the House of Lords with its key provisions intact. The Bill will introduce an Independent Football Regulator to oversee the licensing of clubs in the top five tiers of the men’s game, with three main objectives: protecting individual …
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Regulating for growth – a new approach to an old idea?

“We’ve got to look at regulation across the piece, and where it is needlessly holding back investment… mark my words, we will get rid of it”. This was Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s bold commitment at the International Investment Summit in October 2024. Two months later, on Christmas eve 2024, the PM wrote to 17 regulators, …
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A new approach to enforcement? Ofqual consults on its Taking Regulatory Action policy

On 20 February 2025, Ofqual opened a consultation on updates to its enforcement policy, “Taking Regulatory Action”, which it proposes to rename “Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action”. The consultation will close on 15 May 2025. This refresh of Ofqual’s enforcement policy has been long awaited by awarding organisations (“AOs”). Since the existing policy was …
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Is your charity ready for the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act (the “OSA”) imposes a range of duties on in-scope online services, aiming in particular to protect children from harmful content and to protect all users from illegal online content and activity. While the OSA received Royal Assent in 2023, the majority of its provisions will come into force in 2025 with …
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“The team offer great expertise, experience, and provide a very high-quality professional service.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“It is clear that the team have a veritable wealth of knowledge and experience in the public inquiry sector. The speed of communication is impressive and their friendly and approachable nature puts clients at ease.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“We like their expertise in this area of the law very much; and we would add that we like the way that they go “above and beyond” in understanding very specific legal concerns, and our slightly quirky modus operandi.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“Informed, professional, practical, ethical and supportive.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025

“There is a depth of expertise and pragmatism when acting to secure clients’ interests and core values.”

Administrative and Public Law, Legal 500 2025
Meet our team