Bates Wells

In case you missed it, Robert Posner, consultant in our electoral team and former chief executive of the UK Electoral Commission, spoke to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme just before Christmas, about the possibility of Elon Musk donating £100 million to Reform. Tune in to the conversation here: https://lnkd.in/daZeYW8J

There is a great deal of misunderstanding of how and when personal data can be shared between organisations. The UK GDPR is in fact there to enable data sharing, not stand in its way. By focusing on the core concepts of data protection – fairness, proportionality and transparency – data controllers should be able to undertake any type of reasonable data sharing. Unlocking safe and lawful data sharing can be massively valuable to organisations. It just takes a bit of preparation and thought to put into practice. This Masterclass is a deep dive into all aspects of data sharing. Participants will explore the most common issues faced by organisations through a series of scenarios, considering misconceptions and myths about what is allowed and what is not, the application of the ICO’s Data Sharing Code of Practice, what is required to be included in a data sharing agreement, and what is good practice to include, how to proactively plan for the possibility of emergency data sharing. If you’d like to find out more or are interested in organising one of the Masterclasses for your team, get in touch: https://lnkd.in/e7Sxz-Rq #DataProtection #DataSharing Eleonor Duhs

The Independent Football Regulator will be operational later this year, introducing licensing requirements for all professional English clubs. This could mean significant amendments around financial and non-financial resources, fan engagement structures, corporate governance and potentially community engagement. Benjamin Thomas, who has been closely involved in shaping this legislation, can help clubs prepare for the forthcoming changes. Find out more and get in touch here https://lnkd.in/eJ5Qh-Ww

Many faith-based organisations rely on volunteers to deliver their mission. Sometimes volunteer relationships can slide into being one of employee or worker status which can have a range of legal implications such as obligations to pay National Minimum Wage and protection of unfair dismissal. Lucy McLynn, Partner in our Employment team, explores how to navigate this changing dynamic and how to ensure expectations and legal responsibilities are clear for both parties. https://lnkd.in/ekHNF8Tm

Season's greetings and a big thank you to our clients, contacts and friends, from all of us at Bates Wells. Here's our Christmas choir spreading a little festive cheer.

In December 2024, our firm submitted its response to the Law Commission’s consultation on the Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. To prepare our response, we collaborated with the Charity Law Association and a team of lawyers from other prominent firms in this sector. You can read our full submission, along with key sector contributions, here: https://lnkd.in/e8S6ZiRu

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has launched new guidance, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, designed to help organisations navigate the environmental, social, and governance landscape, including complying with disclosure requirements, and measuring and reporting on their activities: https://lnkd.in/eVpVNdsh Keep up to date with a selection of hand-picked news in our monthly Purpose and Impact newsletter, for businesses wanting to create positive impact. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/er8Mf5Pj #PurposeAndImpact #ESG

The Labour Party moved swiftly to introduce the Water (Special Measures) Bill in September 2024, which it described as “landmark legislation to crack down on bosses for polluting water”. While the Bill has been welcomed, there are significant doubts about whether it goes far enough, and whether the existing regulatory structures are the right vehicle to deliver the necessary change. Campaigners are prepared to fill the gap, by using targeted strategic challenges to force both the government and the polluters to act. Helen Fry Leticia Jennings Matthew Smith Natasha Davies Liz Racine https://lnkd.in/eSRERzCV

On 22 January 2025, we’re hosting our first employment law update of the year, designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing HR, people management, and immigration professionals. Join Paul Seath and Smruti Jeyanandhan at 3pm for the webinar, offering practical insights into case law, legislation, and new guidance. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eqFp_8ra

AI-powered tools can help charities to improve their wealth screening, supporter profiling and prospect research processes, promising increased return on investment and decreased costs. But the data protection aspects of these tools are complicated and the possible compliance implications serious. The Information Commissioner’s Office is particularly concerned about the use of personal data in the context of artificial intelligence and is keen to see organisations deploying AI tools fairly, lawfully and transparently. This Masterclass guides participants through the complex web of laws regulating artificial intelligence, fundraising and personal data using scenarios drawn from real life experiences. We take a practical approach to the deployment of AI, explaining the main considerations and leading participants through the relevant steps to manage legal and ethical risks. If you’d like to find out more or are interested in organising one of the Masterclasses for your team, get in touch: https://lnkd.in/ea-ApB6K #DataProtection #DPIA Eleonor Duhs