Articles

Narrow Quay HR (NQHR) is a specialist HR consultancy that sits within VWV. It was founded in 2017 by two lawyers in VWV's Employment Law team, Caitlin Anniss and Sarah Martin. 

The CMA has issued updated guidance clarifying how higher education providers can collaborate while remaining compliant with UK competition law.

The Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed a new condition of registration intended to strengthen oversight of subcontracted provision of higher education courses. Following consultation, the OfS has introduced Condition E10, a new ongoing condition of registration, which will apply to providers delivering courses through certain sub contractual arrangements from 31 March 2026. 

The Employment Rights Act 2025 (the Act) introduces significant changes to the employer–trade union relationship. For higher education providers, the reforms affect industrial action, recognition, facility time and union access rights, reshaping the legal framework over the coming months.

The Office for Students (OfS) has launched a consultation on proposals to change how it regulates statutory further education providers delivering higher education in England. The consultation, which runs until 10 February 2026, aims to reduce regulatory duplication for eligible providers while maintaining robust oversight to protect students and public funds.

On 18 December 2025, Labour's Employment Rights Bill became law. The Employment Rights Act 2025 marks the most significant change in employment rights in a generation, promising sweeping reforms to strengthen workers' protections across the UK.