be connected newsletter for higher education - October 2020

In this edition we provide you with the latest in legal updates, news and insight from the higher education sector.

21 October 2020

In this edition we provide you with the latest in legal updates, news and insight from the higher education sector.

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Legal updates

Covid-19 Risks – Prepare, Communicate and Review

As students and staff become embedded into the ‘new normal’ of campus life, health and safety experts Steph McGarry and Rachel Lyne take a look at some of the practical issues affecting the Higher Education sector during the pandemic.

Covid, intellectual property and the Crown

Universities across the nation have been working valiantly to produce a vaccine for Covid-19, in addition to working tirelessly on new testing options. At times like these it is easy to forget that valuable intellectual property (IP) will be created in these efforts and that universities might be vulnerable to exploitation from both private sector profit-seeking organisations and even from the Crown.

Getting the best out of virtual HR casework meetings

We take the opportunity to look to our in-house HR experts for tips on conducting employee relations during a pandemic. Sharing his experiences of operating in a virtual world, HR Consultant Paul Miner discusses what went well and how he has overcome the challenges of conducting meetings electronically.

Governance during the pandemic and beyond

The pandemic has seriously tested the effectiveness of governance of Higher Education institutions, not only in respect of the response to the challenges presented but also in terms of preparedness to respond and deal with major global events. In this article, Nick MacKenzie looks at how governing bodies are reacting to, and recovering from, the crisis, as well as responding to the new landscape in which we now find ourselves.

The Electronic Communications Code - Is the tide turning in favour of landowners?

Following a period of momentum in favour of telecoms operators, the tide appears to have turned. From more competitive rental income to fairer terms and conditions, Associate Chris Devereux reviews three recent cases that appear in favour of the landlord.

The Industrial Strategy three years on

Back in November 2017, the UK Government published its White Paper ‘Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain fit for the future’. In this article, Head of Higher Education Bettina Rigg looks at the contributions that universities and colleges are making towards prosperity and the importance of regional and pan-regional collaboration.

Top tips to minimise the risk of Judicial Review

Universities make decisions every day which could lead disgruntled students, or others, to seek a legal challenge, potentially by way of judicial review. In this article, Senior Associate Dmitrije Sirovica shares his top tips for universities trying to avoid successful challenges.

Webinars and online events

Celebrating 150 years of state education

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of the first Education Act – a defining moment in our state education system. To mark the occasion, last month we were delighted to host two unique broadcasts in partnership with the Foundation for Education Development. The virtual events saw guest speakers including the Rt Hon. Gavin Williamson – Secretary of State for Education, Lord Karan Bilimoria – President of the CBI, Sir Michael Barber and 12 former Secretaries of State for Education, amongst others, come together to celebrate the achievements of our education system, reflect on its history, and envision a long-term plan for its future.

Available to watch on-demand, join us and leaders from across the education, business, politics and community landscapes to mark this significant moment in time:

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Lessons Learned

Ask the experts: managing people and health and safety matters during a pandemic

Webinar - 10 November

Human resource teams in higher education institutions continue to deal with the challenges brought about by coronavirus. As enhanced restrictions and regional variations take effect, many of the issues involve not only employment law but also health and safety.

To help you at this critical time our experts will be getting together to answer the questions that really matter to you.

Find out more

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