Welcome to Hugh James Webinars - our dedicated webinar series from our experts at Hugh James. In our webinars, we talk about topical issues and the latest developments affecting a range of sectors to help provide some practical guidance for you and your organisation.
If you would like to take part in the conversation or need some further guidance for your organisation, please get in touch using the contact form. You can also suggest topics you would like us to cover, by filling in our short survey below.
Construction Law Update | March 2023
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, where Matthew Stevens discusses how to get JCT Contract Terminations Notices right. He is joined by Tom MacSwayne who covers the Notice of Dissatisfaction mechanism contained within the NEC suite of Contracts and Alun Tobias who looks at claim limitations.
Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill deep dive
The second webinar in our procurement reform webinar series. Deep dive into the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) (SPPP) Bill. Matt Detheridge, Solicitor at Hugh James, is joined by Sue Hurrell, Head of Fair Work Procurement at Welsh Government, providing a holistic session that covers not only the legislation but key tips for what you, as contracting authorities, will need to do to comply with the anticipated requirements of the Bill in practice.
The future of public procurement
The first webinar in our procurement reform webinar series, providing an overview of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill and Procurement Bill. Emily Powell, Partner & Head of Procurement & Matt Detheridge, Solicitor at Hugh James, set out the aims of both of these bills and their current anticipated timetable. They cover an overview of what is anticipated from them and what this may mean for contracting authorities and tenderers.
Utilising regulation 72 PCR to respond to the challenges of inflationary pressures
A webinar discussing how contracting authorities might respond to challenges they are facing in their public contracts in light of on-going inflationary and supply chain pressures.
Emily Powell, Partner and Head of Procurement discusses options available to contracting authorities to amend public contracts in reliance on regulation 72 PCR and how this can assist contracting authorities to manage their public contracts in light of increasing costs and changes to the market.
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) essentials
The third webinar in our Information law essentials webinar series, we provide you with the key essentials you need to know when it comes to the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Learn the key concepts and principles, how to comply with the rules on sending marketing communications, what to do when things go wrong, and how to handle a complaint, both internally and if matters reach the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Wrapping up the session with an interactive session, you'll look at whether particular scenarios constitute a “breach” or “no breach” of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
The session is delivered by Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, Dispute Resolution partner and Ilan Jones, Corporate/Commercial solicitor. Both Tracey and Ilan are part of our wider Information Law team.
Employment Law Update | November 2022
A webinar overview of the latest Employment law updates, including key case law and legislative developments likely to be of interest to HR practitioners. The session focuses on the Harpur Trust v Brazel holiday pay case, which concerns the calculation of holiday pay for casual workers and the recent highly published decision in Forstater v CGD Europe and others where it was held that gender critical beliefs are protected in law as philosophical beliefs. The webinar finishes with the recent changes to right to work checks and the current position of the long awaited Employment Bill.
Construction Law Update | October 2022
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, where Iwan Jenkins discusses the new Building Safety Act 2022. He is joined by Matthew Stevens who covers the cladding crisis and Tom MacSwayne who looks collateral warranties.
Freedom of Information Essentials
The second webinar in our Information law essentials webinar series, we provide you with the key essentials you need to know when it comes to freedom of information and environmental information law. You learn the key concepts and principles, how to handle requests for information and consider the grounds for withholding information.
You also look at what to do when things go wrong and how to handle a complaint, both internally and if matters reach the Information Commissioner's Office.
We wrap the session up with an interactive session where you look at whether particular scenarios constitute a request for information and whether information requested should be withheld or disclosed.
Data Protection Essentials
The first webinar in our Information law essentials webinar series.
A webinar overview of the key essentials you need to know when it comes to data protection law. You'll learn the key concepts and principles, and potential lawful bases for processing and sharing data in compliance with the requirements of the data protection legislation.
You'll also look at what to do when things “go wrong” and the importance of meeting an organisation’s reporting obligations to the Information Commissioner’s Office and/or the data subjects affected by certain personal data breaches.
We wrap up the session with an interactive session of 'breach or no breach', where you'll look at whether particular scenarios constitute a “breach” or “no breach” of personal data.
How to Maximise The Price of Your Pharmacy in Wales with Hutchings Consultants
Greg Williams, Head of our Healthcare team joins Hutchings Consultants in their latest webinar for the Welsh pharmacy market where they look at ways to increase your business value, a view of the wider sales process and a legal overview with key takeaway points to ensure you are well prepared for the process if you are considering a transaction.
Paul Steet, Hutchings Consultants, starts the webinar, providing an insight on the current sales market in Wales and taking you through the process of selling your pharmacy, from initial valuation through to completion. Greg Williams discusses the legal overview of a pharmacy transaction to ensure you are well prepared for the process from a legal perspective. Atif Butt, Hutchings Accountants, talks through the accounting aspects of a pharmacy sale and how you can reduce your tax liabilities.
Construction Law Update | May 2022
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, where Ioan Prydderch discusses the impact of the war in Ukraine on construction projects. He is joined by Matthew Stevens who covers delay and disruption claims and Natasha Nicholas who looks at contractor insolvency.
Legal Professional Privilege
A webinar looking at legal advice privilege and litigation privilege, what protection that gives rise to and how to identify whether it applies. Tracey and Abigail examine some common misconceptions about privilege, and frequent challenges arising for internal and external lawyers when trying to retain the benefits of privilege. They also identify some key exceptions and provide top tips for practitioners.
LATC: Renting Homes | April 2022
A webinar discussing the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 with a focus on some of the particular issues Local Authorities in Wales need to prepare for including the nature of the agreements, the future of temporary housing for the homeless, and the role of Local Authorities in Supported Housing.
Employment Law Update | March 2022
A webinar overview of the latest Employment law updates, including key case law and legislative developments likely to be of interest to HR practitioners. The session also focuses on the significant decision handed down recently by the Court of Appeal in the case of Smith v Pimlico Plumbers Ltd on holiday pay.
Construction Law Update | January 2022
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, where Ioan Prydderch discusses how to increase your prospects of success in an adjudication. He is joined by Lawrence Mansell who covers security for off-site manufacturing and Iwan Jenkins providing an introduction to Project Bank Accounts.
The regulation of social care in England and Wales | Nurture Conference
Martin Jones, Partner and Head of Hugh James’ Regulatory team, considers the differences between the English and Welsh regimes for the regulation of social care and what this means for housing associations who provide social care.
Managing Tenancies in a Post Covid World | Nurture Conference
A round-up of all the key issues affecting housing management which will include a look at how the courts are dealing with possession and injunctions; dealing with repairs and disrepair claims post-covid and finishing off with a quick update on the implementation of The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
Approaching wellbeing post pandemic | Nurture Conference
Louise Price, Partner in our Employment and HR Services team examines how your organisation can manage employee wellbeing, shares insight from other sectors as well as how getting the right information from occupational health can ensure you comply with equality legislation and uphold its principles.
Managing projects with JCT contracts: an overview | Build Conference
This quick and convenient overview for asset managers will fill you in on the key issues you need to know when drawing up a JCT Measured Term contract. By taking the right steps early on you can save cost and be protected if conflict arises further down the line. Iwan Jenkins helps you to take a proactive approach to asset management and ensure you avoid the pitfalls others may miss.
Do private placements work for housing associations? | Build Conference
Often considered quicker, more flexible and easier to arrange than traditional bank finance, an increasing number of housing associations are looking towards capital markets for their funding needs. Rowena Downie looks at what makes private placements attractive, how they work and what pitfalls there can be in the process so you can help select the approach that is right for your organisation.
Directly awarding contracts whilst following the rules | Build Conference
Emily Powell examines the circumstances where it is possible to directly award contracts, extend or modify contracts during their terms or accelerate a standard procurement procedure without finding yourself in deep water and ensure you follow the right steps to protect against a successful legal challenge.
Directors’ duties for Housing Associations | Build conference
Gemma Davies focuses on the duties involved as a director and identifies the areas where it is common for mistakes to be made. This webinar is essential for those considering taking on duties as a director as well as those already in post to fully understand the potential of new business models and where their actions matter.
Unpackaging package deals | Build conference
With many Housing Associations increasingly using package deals as a means to acquire and develop sites for affordable housing, Richard Macphail discusses the property aspects of package deal transactions, including points to consider when agreeing heads of terms and practical hints and tips when finalising the transaction documentation.
Employment Law Update | November 2021
This update covers case law developments likely to be of interest to HR practitioners as well as the key legislative changes that lie ahead in 2022 and beyond, including changes to the Flexible Working regime. The team also touch briefly on some topical hybrid working challenges that employers are facing, including tips on how to deal with "Long Covid" and complex disciplinary issues and dismissals.
Construction Law Update | October 2021
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, with Ioan Prydderch looking at how to avoid project disputes, Matthew Stevens discussing dealing with insolvency in the construction supply chain and Iwan Jenkins covering the soaring cost of materials.
Employee Ownership Trusts
Andrew Hoad provides an introduction to EOTs. Joined by Kevin Uphill of Avondale, a corporate finance adviser who specialises in EOTs, they discuss the issues that need to be considered when contemplating a disposal to an EOT.
Contracts - the structure and terms of commercial agreements replay | NPS Framework - Lot 8
Lowri Walters, Natalie Lane and Dominic Weston discuss the structure and terms of commercial agreements.
Forming trading entities - the risks, benefits and procurement considerations replay | NPS Framework - Lot 8
Gemma outlines the different corporate entities that can be formed, including local authority trading companies (LATC), a company limited by guarantee and a company limited by shares. Gemma covers their structure, liability limit and regulatory requirements. Emily then discusses the procurement considerations and implications relating to each corporate vehicle, in the context of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
Construction Law - practical completion and adjudication replay | NPS Framework - Lot 8
Matthew discusses the practical and legal meaning of the commonly used, but often misunderstood, phrase "practical completion" in construction contracts. Jade provides an introduction to construction adjudication by considering the "5 W's". Part of our NPS Lot 8 - Major IT & Commercial Contracts webinar series.
Intellectual Property - how to manage and protect your rights replay | NPS Framework - Lot 8
Emily Powell, Matt Detheridge and Harry Sawyer provide you with an introduction to intellectual property and explain why intellectual property is important to public authorities, how to protect your intellectual property rights and more. Part of our NPS Lot 8 - Major IT & Commercial Contracts webinar series.
Recent Tribunal Decisions for Claims Brought Under Part 1 of the Act replay
In our next quarterly webinar, we look at the recent decisions of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) in claims brought under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act.
Construction Law Update replay | June 2021
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, with Alun Tobias who discussed the use of Performance Bonds in the construction industry, Lawrence Mansell explained Collateral Warranties and finally Jade Zelko took us through the 5 Ws of Adjudication.
Complex catastrophic injury claims and the ongoing involvement of a professional deputy replay
When dealing with complex catastrophic injury claims it is essential to build an expert team. In this webinar, Partner, Ciaran McCabe discusses the key issues on the journey from initial instruction to the successful conclusion of the litigation of such claims. Associate, Charlotte Fletcher outlines the role of a property and financial affairs deputy appointed by the Court of Protection in the ongoing management of the damages received.
Common issues in corporate transactions: a case study replay
As part of our
Lunch & Learn e-learning week with
Legal Network, our Corporate/Commercial team held a webinar focusing on the common pitfalls in corporate transactions.
Taking you through a case study, Lowri, Gemma and Natalie, from our Corporate/Commercial team, look at the main aspects of a management buyout and some of the common pitfalls and issues which may arise, including the assignment of intellectual property. Our Banking & Finance expert, Rowena Downie, covers the key banking issues you may come across, such as loan note instruments and intercreditor issues.
Around the World - Global Investments replay
We’re delighted to join forces with the private and commercial bank, Arbuthnot Latham, for an online session where we take a tour ‘Around the World' – and discuss the biggest global trends shaping the financial markets right now.
Employment Law Update replay | April 2021
Our ever-popular Employment Law Update, covers recent case law decisions and legislative developments. We “horizon scan” the challenges that lie ahead for employers in 2021, discuss the recent Supreme Court decision in Uber v Aslam and the potential implications of that decision in terms of employment status issues for employers, and the “gig economy” more generally. We also look at the IR35 rules as they apply to the private sector from 6 April 2021, and the obligations for businesses that arise from the changes. Finally, the update considers the impact of Brexit on EU nationals immigration status, and what employers will need to do should they wish to continue to employ new EU workers going forwards.
Construction Law Update replay | Feb 2021
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, during these challenging COVID-19 times, covering practical completion, electronic signatures and a post Brexit procurement update.
Fire, Gas and Electrical Standards for Social Housing Properties and evidencing compliance replay
The health and safety of tenants is paramount for housing associations when managing their properties. Hosted by Martin Jones, Head of Regulatory and Bethan Gladwyn, Head of Housing Management, this webinar focuses on the steps required to ensure your organisation is compliant with all legal obligations and what you can and should do if tenants are preventing you from fulfilling those obligations.
Public to Public Contracts replay
This webinar focuses on contracts awarded between public authorities, the procurement rules that apply and where exemptions from the general requirement to compete contracts can help provide a way forward. Part of our HJ Housing week lineup.
The Future Use of Spaces replay
Global real estate consultants, Knight Frank, join Caroline O’Flaherty, Partner in our Commercial Property department to discuss the impact of these challenging times on the housing sector across the UK. The session focuses on three aspects – considerations for future housing schemes, the impact on housing association headquarter offices and consequences for the commercial leases within asset portfolios. Part of our HJ Housing week lineup.
Equality & Diversity replay
Kate Walsh, Associate in the Employment & HR Services team, takes a closer look at the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and talks you through the recent case law on this issue. Part of our HJ Housing week lineup.
Affordable Housing Financing & Refinancing replay
Gambit Corporate Finance discuss how measuring the financial health of housing associations has been impacted, assess the current financial landscape, the impact of Covid-19 on housing associations, funding partners and other key stakeholders as well as looking at the challenges and opportunities ahead. Part of our HJ Housing week lineup.
Housing Law Conference 2020 replay
Watch the webinar replay for our 2020 Housing Law Conference hosted by the Housing Management team. The session covered the impact of COVID-19 on residential tenancies and an interactive discussion on empty properties. Part of our HJ Housing week lineup.
Construction Law Update replay | Nov 2020
A webinar overview of the latest construction law updates, during these challenging COVID-19 times, covering the allocation of risk for ground conditions, an overview of the legislative landscape in Wales and the allocation of risk between parties, all summarised in three short bitesize presentations.
The Future of Surety for RSLs in Wales replay
Following the recent withdrawal of financial surety, this webinar provides an overview of sureties in infrastructure agreements and surety bonding.
Employment Law Update replay | Oct 2020
We discuss recent and key HR cases and forthcoming legislative changes including those that have been introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic and BREXIT.
Flexible Furlough Scheme replay
This webinar replay discusses the key changes in the flexible furlough scheme, including what you can and can't claim, how to prepare for the changes, tips to aid employee relations issues and the implications on getting it wrong.
Reactivating possession claims, new notice periods and other updates on possession
Hosted by Bethan Gladwyn and Rebecca Rees, this webinar covers the current stay on possession claims, Practice Direction 55C and extended notice periods.
Development contracts in the context of COVID-19 replay
Invited as a guest speaker by Community Housing Cymru (CHC) as part of their COVID-19 webinar support series, Iwan Jenkins discusses development contracts in the context of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Q&A for Landlords replay
Hosted by Bethan Gladwyn and Rebecca Rees, this webinar provided the opportunity to ask questions about the particular challenges you are facing around COVID-19 Coronavirus in relation to keeping your tenants safe and other landlord and tenant housing concerns.
COVID-19 Support - Shared resources - legal considerations for collaborative working replay
Invited as a guest speaker by Community Housing Cymru (CHC), Emily Powell considers the legal considerations for collaborative working in these challenging COVID-19 Coronavirus times.
Project Bank Accounts replay
An introduction to Project Bank Accounts, covering the what, why and how.
Award Letters replay
This webinar discusses best practice when it comes to the content of award letters, options available to contracting authorities and tips on what to avoid.
Off-site manufacturing replay
An introduction to off-site manufacturing, covering the what, why and how of this modern method of construction.
Impact of the PCR on development agreements replay
This webinar looks at the impact of public procurement rules on planning obligations and development agreements. These issues are examined in light of the Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Faraday v West Berkshire Council [November 2018].
Flytipping replay
Looking at how local authorities are using civil remedies and how these operate in practice, what input is required from the local authority, how much the remedies cost and what practical benefits they may bring.
Abandoned Vehicles replay
We look at the powers and duties which the police and local authorities have in relation to abandoned vehicles and what other options are available.
Contractor Insolvency replay
A step by step guide to preventing these issues through due diligence as well as helping you navigate the legal minefield of contractor insolvency.
Town and Village Greens replay
Applications to register a green can be seen as a useful tool to frustrate development of land even where the land has been used for very different reasons.
Immigration replay
Prompted by the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many of our clients have been seeking views about what might happen after Brexit.