News articles
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The Fundamental Standards – Safeguarding
In this edition in our series of Fundamental Standards articles, we explore the Health and Social Act 2008 (Regulated Activates) 2014 regulation 13 – 'Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment'.
New PPN Published: update to legal and policy requirements to publish procurement information on Contracts Finder
PPN 07/21 was published on 24 June 2021 and provides consolidated guidance that reminds public bodies of the requirements of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR) to publish information about opportunities and awards over certain low value thresholds on Contracts Finder.
Be prepared for the statutory COVID-19 public inquiry
Earlier this month NHS England told local NHS organisations that they must start preparing for the statutory public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic. Any organisation might be called upon to provide evidence for the statutory inquiry, and individuals may be required to give evidence under oath. Government said last month that a statutory public inquiry would begin in spring next year.
New PPN’s Published; National Procurement Policy Statement & Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans
The fifth and sixth Procurement Policy Notes of 2021 have been published.
Staff problems after lockdown
Doctor employers face ongoing staff management challenges as lockdown restrictions ease. Lucy Miles and Isobel Davis highlight some areas needing consideration.
New Guidance on severance payments and approval for public sector employers
The government has published new guidance for the public sector on making termination of employment/severance payments to employees.
If in doubt – declare!
In the case of Dad v GDC, [2021] EWHC 1376 (QB), the Honourable Mrs Justice Collins Rice considered the issue of declarations to the GDC in an application for restoration to the register.
GPAR 2021 published. Is anything changing?
The Public Procurement (Agreement on Government Procurement) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/573) (GPAR 2021) have been published and will come into force on 11 June 2021.
When is a lease caught by the public procurement rules?
The Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) has recently considered the distinction between a lease (not caught by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR)), and a public works contract (that could be caught by the PCR if it is over the relevant threshold and not otherwise exempt).
You’re all in it together
A Declaration of Trust is a useful tool for independent practitioners to protect valuable property investments and exposure to unforeseen liabilities.
Updating your partnership deeds
There have been significant changes in GP primary care and Justin Cumberlege, a partner in our GP team, highlights what needs updating in partnership deeds
The Fundamental Standards, Regulation 12: Safe Care & Treatment – Are you compliant?
As part of our series of articles addressing the Fundamental Standards and how you need to ensure your service meets those standards, here we consider Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014: Safe Care & Treatment (“the Regulation”). It is important to note that the Fundamental Standards are a set of regulations. Each regulation is not entirely divisible from the other. For example, if you are not compliant with Regulation 18 (Staffing) and 19 (Fit and proper persons employed) it is unlikely you will be able to demonstrate compliance with Regulation 12(c).
Hempsons welcomes new partner – Liz Hackett
Liz Hackett has joined the healthcare advisory team in our Harrogate office this month.
Can a parent be displaced from Court of Protection proceedings involving their child?
In an unprecedented decision a Judge in the Court of Protection proceedings P (Discharge of Party), Re, has discharged the mother of the person who is the subject of these proceedings.