When it comes to facing legal challenges or even just ensuring compliance with current legislation, having the right team in your corner – a team you can trust – makes all the difference. The Invicta Law Employment, Privacy and Governance (EPG) team has proven itself to be such a partner for public and third-sector organisations across England and Wales. With over 50 years of combined experience, the team, led by Principal Solicitor Nina Lingard, is well known for providing practical, timely advice on a range of issues, from employment tribunals to data protection and freedom of information issues.
This blog explores how Invicta Law sets itself apart by merging its deep commitment to public service with specialist expertise to offer practical strategies that effectively address client needs while fostering trust and providing exceptional value.
Addressing Common Public Sector Legal Challenges
At the heart of Invicta Law’s philosophy is an innate understanding of their clients’ operations. Having worked within the public sector for many years, the EPG team deliver tailored support that takes each organisation’s unique needs into account, from local authorities, fire and rescue authorities, and local authority trading companies (LATCOs), to multi-academy trusts, headteachers, and school governing bodies.
TUPE Consultations
Public bodies frequently engage Invicta Law for their expertise in handling TUPE consultations. Their success lies in having a deep understanding of client objectives, combined with strategic insight and meticulous attention to detail.
“The key is understanding what the client is trying to achieve, considering the scope of the work that may transfer and, where applicable, the terms of any existing or new contract,” the team explains. “Only then can one advise the client accordingly and draft contractual terms that are tailored to their current and future requirements.”
It is also important to remember to consider pension provision, as failure to do so can have expensive consequences when dealing with public sector bodies.
Tribunal Claims
Tribunal claims are another common area where employers often require support. The Invicta Law team assists by clearly compiling all the relevant facts and applying the correct legislation so that the employer knows exactly where they stand.
They then seek to secure the best outcome possible, whether that be a commercially based settlement or a robustly defended tribunal hearing and securing a judgment that dismisses the claims.
The team has also successfully recovered significant costs for their clients on numerous occasions.
Specialised Support Areas
When it comes to expertise, what sets the Invicta Law team apart even further are their capabilities in highly specialised areas such as Local Government Pensions or navigating the Joint Negotiating Committee Handbook for Chief Executives of Local Authorities.
Local Government Pension Scheme
This work involves intricate compliance with LGPS Regulations and adept handling of challenges to policy decisions, providing clients with a layer of specialised support that is hard to replicate.
As the Admission Authority for local councils, the EPG team reviews applications, approves referrals, drafts and negotiates necessary documentation, and ensures compliance with LGPS Regulations and client requirements. Mark Radford, an in-house expert, also provides extensive advice on pension issues related to TUPE transfers under the LGPS.
JNC Handbook
The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for Chief Executives of Local Authorities is the national negotiating body for the pay and conditions of service of chief executives in England and Wales.
The JNC publishes a handbook that includes the correct process for dealing with grievances and disciplinary matters against Chief Executives and Statutory officers.
Nina has coordinated many investigation and disciplinary committee (IDC) matters relating to statutory officers including Chief Executives, Monitoring Officers and s151 Officers. Nina has also worked closely with several Monitoring Officers to compile reports and advise and train committees ensuring that the JNC Handbook is followed to the letter.
Building Partnerships That Last
Trust is at the core of Invicta Law’s client relationships. The EPG team is conscious of this in every interaction, believing that long-lasting partnerships are built on a foundation of understanding, empathy, reliability, and clear communication.
It’s not just about giving advice but genuinely engaging with clients’ visions and often bringing new strategies – ways the client can do what it does better or more efficiently – to the table.
The team notes, “Without trust, there can be no reliance on what we say or faith in us to meet deadlines. We build trust by being reliable, explaining our reasoning clearly and proving that we have taken the time to really understand their case. Then, when the advice is difficult to hear, they are open to the advice given.”
In its pursuit of excellence, the team has adopted innovative ways to serve clients better. These include operating a dedicated hotline for urgent or contentious matters and designing bespoke training that not only addresses current challenges but also ensures clients are equipped with knowledge to pre-empt future challenges.
It is this distinctive approach, marked by empathy, specialised support and consistently excellent service, that sets this team apart. By choosing Invicta Law, clients not only receive trustworthy legal advice but also engage in a partnership that understands, values, and actively contributes to their success.
