Public matters: March 2025

28 March 2025

Making your organisation neuroinclusive

Acas has released fresh guidance for employers on neurodiversity, aiming to foster inclusive workplaces and enhance awareness to make discussions about neurodiversity normalised.

Navigating the devolution revolution: A guide for local authorities

Since the English Devolution White Paper was published in December 2024, the first tranche of councils have taken initial steps towards local government reorganisation. Laura Hughes explains what has happened so far and what all local authorities need to be considering.

Read on Local Government Lawyer

How embracing neurodiversity could help tackle the innovation gap

Nurturing inclusive workplaces for neurodiverse staff may unlock their ability to drive creativity within businesses, says Kerren Daly.

Read on People Management

Childhood sexual abuse claims: How proposed reforms to UK limitation periods could impact sports organisations

Until now, all personal injury claims, including those for childhood sexual abuse, have been subject to a three-year limitation period.

Read on Law in Sport

The Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000

The Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000, as amended, are pivotal in defining the decision-making boundaries within English local authorities.

Information Commissioner announces new AI guidance and package of measures to support the Government’s growth agenda

On 17 March 2025 the Information Commissioner announced a new package of measures following a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support the Government’s growth agenda.

Local authority code of conduct investigations: What could change following the government’s consultation

The Government’s recent consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England has now closed, leaving us to speculate on the potential outcomes.

Handling disputes during the standstill period under the Procurement Act 2023

Now that the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) is in force, contracting authorities should consider the effect of changes to the standstill period and the application of automatic suspensions under the Act, as well as the new test introduced for applications for interim remedies for aggrieved suppliers.

Iechyd da to the Welsh Provider Selection Regime

Timed to come into force alongside the Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023), the Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025/Rheoliadau Gwasanaethau Iechyd (Y Gyfundrefn Dethol Darparwyr) (Cymru) 2025 (Welsh PSR) have gone live on 24 February 2025 and apply in place of the PA2023 where a relevant authority procures health services for the purposes of the health service in Wales (whether NHS or public health in Wales).

Is 'internal chaos' to blame for DEFRA's growth v nature rhetoric?

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Read on Ends Report

Government launches adult social care commission

The care sector has welcomed the establishment of an independent commission to reform adult social care but expressed concerns that the timescale will lead to years of “paralysis rather than planning”.

Read on Caring Times