Employment, Privacy and Governance
Advice rooted in your needs
Our highly experienced solicitors are dedicated to providing prompt and cost-effective advice. With a unique blend of public and private sector expertise, our team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of employment law matters, from tribunal claims to data protection issues.
Led by Principal Solicitor Nina Lingard, the Employment, Privacy and Governance team prides itself on offering pragmatic and realistic advice tailored to the specific needs of your organisation. Our clients include local authorities, fire and rescue authorities, local authority trading companies (LATCOs), multi-academy trusts, headteachers and school governing bodies.
Lasting partnerships
We understand the unique challenges faced by public sector organisations. Our team works closely with clients to deliver tailored support that addresses their specific requirements.
We build lasting partnerships based on trust, reliability, and clear communication. By choosing us, you gain a partner who not only provides expert legal counsel but also engages deeply with your organisation’s vision, offering innovative strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
How can we help?
Admissions Agreements
We advise on the wording of Admission Agreements (including precedent work), draft agreements and negotiate them to a successful conclusion.
Bonds/Guarantees
We advise on the wording of Bond and Guarantee Agreements, Debt Spreading Agreements and Deferred Debt Agreements (including precedent work), draft those agreements and negotiate them to a successful conclusion.
Data Protection
We can advise on all aspects of the GDPR (UK) and the Data Protection Act. We advise on Data Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information Act requests.
Education
We advise on all aspects of education related powers and duties for both local authorities and maintained schools. We undertake policy work, for example on transport to and
from school policies, admission and exclusion policies and appeals and SEN policies.
Employment Advice
We advise on all aspects of employment law, including grievances and appeals, disciplinaries and appeals, capability and conduct dismissals, referrals to professional regulators, and public interest disclosure investigations. We offer advice to senior officer panels hearing appeals against sanctions, including dismissal. We provide specialist advice on TUPE issues, Grey Book (Fire Service) matters and JNC Handbook matters, dealing with Executive Team grievance and disciplinary matters. We also offer strategic advice on organisational
change, restructuring and HR policies.
Employment Tribunals
We undertake defence of employment tribunal claims, from ACAS early conciliation to full Tribunal hearing. We facilitate negotiation of agreed exits under settlement agreements and ACAS COT3 agreements, including guidance on severance payments.
Local Authority Governance
We advise on all constitutional issues and procedures relating to a local authority. We advise on local authority policies, reviews of policy and on public consultation exercises. We advise on the existence and extent of local authority powers and duties and on Standards Investigations into Elected Members.
LGPS Advice
We undertake advice, drafting and policy work relating on all aspects of a local authority acting as the Administering Authority for the LGPS, save for investments and
trusts.
Training
We offer Manager and HR employment law updates, as well as training of members for staffing matters.
Our team
