Articles
- Articles
Employers cannot bypass collective bargaining by making direct pay offers before the process is complete
29 Jul 2026The Employment Appeal Tribunal holds that a rail operator breached trade union legislation by offering a pay deal directly to staff while collective bargaining with a recognised union was still ongoing.
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Academy Trust Handbook 2026: what Academy Trusts need to know now
29 Jul 2026The DfE has issued its updated Academy Trust Handbook 2026 [Academy trust handbook 2026: effective from 1 October 2026 - GOV.UK] which takes effect from 1 October 2026. The new version tightens control over pay, buying, technology contracts, pensions, severance payments, and financial transparency. The overall trend is that trusts are being asked to show, in writing, that public money is being spent carefully and openly.
The changes are set out in the updated version under the heading 'What has changed,' and we provide our initial comments on these below:
- Articles
Updated EHRC Services Code due to come into force in August
27 Jul 2026The updated EHRC Services Code will replace the 2011 code from 5 August 2026.
- Articles
Jurisdictional challenges in the Charity Tribunal - what do you need to know?
27 Jul 2026The performance of the Charity Commission has been in the news recently and we have had a number of enquiries about challenging Charity Commission decisions. With that in mind, it seems timely to consider some instances where it is not possible to challenge Commission decisions. We do this by reference to two decisions from the Charity First-tier Tribunal (the Tribunal). These cases highlight the importance of understanding the statutory framework governing appeals and reviews under the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).
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Governance lessons from the Nottingham Islam Information Point case
27 Jul 2026During the summer holiday period, many faith buildings will be busy with a variety of community activities including play schemes for young children, religious or language education, summer weddings, and a variety of seasonal events, as well as regular services. For some, the summer also provides an opportunity to invite external speakers whether to cover the absence of regular preachers or to contribute to seasonal gatherings.
- Articles
Financial distress & duties to creditors - a reminder to look beyond your charity's beneficiaries
27 Jul 2026Recent news reports on the closure of The Big Difference arts venue on the High Street in Leicester city centre due to financial struggles and the decision of the trustees of Big Difference Company to make a serious incident report to the Charity Commission are just the latest in a serious of instances of charities closing due to financial distress and insolvency. These instances often illustrate all too well the oft-quoted line about insolvency happening "Two ways: gradually, then suddenly” leaving beneficiaries, employees and other stakeholders bewildered, and charity trustees fighting to justify their decisions.
