Public matters: October 2024

31 October 2024

Michael Mousdale

Hybrid working: The right to flexible working and how to make it work for public sector employers

In the wake of new flexible working guidelines, Kerren Daly delves into implications for public sector employees, amidst a backdrop of governmental directives aimed at reinstating full office occupancy post-Covid-19. This article explores the nuanced legal landscape facing employers, including contractual obligations, the right to request flexible working, and the necessity for reasonable adjustments, shedding light on the evolving expectations and realities of workplace arrangements in the public sector.

Is Great British Railways finally on track?

This article looks into the journey of Great British Railways, a transformative initiative born from the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail aimed at revolutionising the UK's railway sector. Highlighting the legislative strides and practical considerations involved, it provides an insightful look into the future of public railway services and the significant impact on employment law and procurement practices.

Find out more

Balancing acts: Navigating the complex risks in adult social care provision

Following the Chancellor Rachel Reeves' disclosure on 29 July 2024 of a significant £22 billion deficit in the government's budget, the legal implications and challenges surrounding the postponed reforms of the adult social care system come to the forefront. We examine the financial crisis's impact on adult social care from a legal standpoint, assessing the associated risks and exploring potential mitigation strategies through expert analysis and stakeholder collaboration.

New amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and their impact

In a significant development, the Civil Procedure Rules were amended on 1 October 2024 to foster the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in legal disputes, a move inspired by the Court of Appeal's ruling in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council [2023] EWCA Civ 1416. This amendment aims to streamline the resolution process, encouraging parties to seek out-of-court settlements in line with the evolving judicial perspective on dispute resolution.

Find out more

What suppliers to the Welsh public sector need to know about the Procurement Act 2023

The Procurement Act 2023, set to come into effect on 24 February 2025, introduces significant changes to public procurement processes in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with specific considerations for Welsh authorities and suppliers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Act's implications for suppliers in Wales, highlighting key differences and strategies to navigate the updated procurement landscape effectively.

Find out more

Upcoming webinars

L&GC hour: Procurement of AI solutions, 28 November, 12.30 – 1.30pm

Using case studies, examples and stories, Richard will guide you through considerations for the procurement of AI solutions. He will cover what to look for, the differences from other IT procurement, who should be involved in the procurement process, and lessons learnt from previous AI deals.

Biodiversity net gain: Lessons learnt half a year in…, 7 November, 1 - 2pm

This webinar will explore how the first few months of BNG have impacted local authorities and what lessons can be learnt.

Public sector planning club, 20 November, 9.15am - 1pm

Join us for a morning of discussing planning in the context of local planning authorities.