ESG

Creating a ‘Speak Up’ culture in purpose-driven businesses: The benefits of an effective whistleblowing framework

Bates Wells convenes the Impact Counsels’ Forum, a space for senior counsel working within impact investors, B Corps, and other purpose-driven businesses. The forum discusses the ‘impact angles’ on legal and practical issues faced by in-house legal teams. Recently, the forum explored the benefits an effective whistleblowing framework and how that can support an open …
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Purpose & Impact: your roundup | June

Welcome to your roundup – a monthly selection of news hand-picked to keep you up to date with what’s going on for businesses and investors working to create positive impact. In this roundup you can find out what’s new in the B Corp, social enterprise, and impact investing spaces, amongst others, collated under helpful headings. …
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What’s next for UK environmental protection?

On 24 January, the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill was ‘adjourned’ to 11 July after politicians were denied the opportunity for a ‘free vote’ to advance the Bill to its next stage. Instead, the government has promised that next steps will include binding commitments to advance the CAN Bill’s objectives, including for legislation. We considered …
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“Yes we CAN”: The new Climate and Nature Bill

The Climate and Nature Bill has its second reading in Parliament on 24 January and we’re one of hundreds of organisations supporting the proposed change in legislation. Its aim is to require the UK government to put stronger policy and action in place with important principles that go much further than the existing Environment Act. …
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CS3D – Who’s in Scope?

Since our last article, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CS3D”)[1] was published in the EU’s Official Journal on 5 July 2024, and it officially entered into force on 25 July 2024. EU Member States are required to transpose the Directive into their national laws by 26 July 2026. By way of reminder, CS3D creates: …
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2024 in review: strategic litigation

In 2024, strategic litigation continued to have an impact on decision making, policy setting and changes in the law. Decisions in a number of high-profile cases are likely to have far reaching implications for governments and organisations over the course of 2025 and beyond. In this blog we discuss several significant judgments and what they …
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Getting granular about our science-based target

Greenwashing is a growing risk and these days everyone seems to be making claims about their environmental credentials. So, in this world of increasing misinformation and fake news, how can we (and others) be sure that claims about carbon reduction are legitimate? Being open and transparent about green claims will bring us very quickly to …
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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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Our Impact Counsels’ Forum

Bates Wells’ Impact Counsels’ Forum is for general counsel, senior lawyers and other leaders within B Corps, impact investors and purpose-driven businesses of different kinds in our network. The forum meets around 3 times a year, creating an informal peer-to-peer forum for sharing ideas and best practice and to discuss the ‘impact angles’ on key …
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Realise your purpose: Wellbeing in the workplace

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.   Employee sickness absence …
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Equality case law roundup: Bailey, Sutcliffe and Orwin

It has been a busy two weeks for equality and discrimination lawyers, with three recent judgments (one from the Employment Tribunal, one from the Employment Appeals Tribunal, and one from the High Court) adding to the body of decisions in this hotly contested area of law and policy. Here, we summarise the decisions and consider …
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Realise your purpose: Increasing social mobility and diversity in the workplace

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.   There is widespread …
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