In this edition we provide you with the latest in legal updates, news and insight from the sector.
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Legal updates
Covid’s costly impact on school attendance
From the start of the autumn term it has been a national priority to keep education establishments open full-time. With attendance mandatory and the usual attendance rules still in force, Associate Laura Murphy looks at how schools should be following up absences and challenging any unauthorised non-attendance that arise as the stricter tier system returns.
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Are you ready for Brexit: Immigration update for schools and academy trusts
On 31 December 2020 the Brexit transition period will come to an end. This will end the free movement of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals to live, work and study in the UK without prior permission.
The Government has provided details of the new immigration system that will apply from 1 January 2021, which will treat EU and non-EU nationals equally for immigration purposes therefore the same rules will apply.
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Evidencing compliance through training outcomes
It may not be the most exciting part of what you do, but compliance is one of the most important. Being able to evidence strong compliance is a critical part of governance. In this article, published exclusively by LASBM last month, our safeguarding expert Dai Durbridge looks at the importance of evidencing compliance through training outcomes.
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10 tips for avoiding contractual disputes
Contract disputes can be time consuming, stressful and expensive. We see a lot of contractual disputes relating to catering, cleaning, energy and IT services, as well as the provision of school uniforms and other products, many of which could have been prevented by a little pre-contract planning.
To help you avoid contract disputes, Associate Amba Griffin-Booth shares her top 10 tips with you.
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Advocacy in action: Inquests, suicide and self-harm
The Browne Jacobson team of barristers are celebrating their 10th anniversary this month. Over the coming editions of Be Connected the team of qualified barristers will be reflecting on their experience at hearings before courts and tribunals nationwide to identify key issues and lessons for schools and education providers. In this, the first in the Advocacy in Action series, Ian Perkins considers organisational responsibility in cases of pupil self-harm and suicide.
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Last chance to register for EdCon 2020 – our first virtual conference for schools and academy trusts
Join us as we focus on creating great places to learn and work:
- Nine 60-minute keynotes full of inspirational ideas and up-to-date advice and guidance on the challenges you’re facing
- Choice of three interactive lunchtime workshops every day to discuss ideas and network with our experts and your peers
- Access to over 30 award-winning legal and HR specialists from across our national, five office network
- Six of the sector’s leading and most inspirational voices. From a former professional athlete and practicing in-house professionals to policy makers and stalwarts, our guest speakers share their experiences, ideas and solutions with you
- 20 short, light bites to watch, for when you’re short on time and headspace, or have five minutes to fill.
Register here >
Still here for you
With coronavirus still at the top of everyone’s agenda, we wanted to remind and reassure you that we are continuing to update our online ‘coronavirus hub’, a free information and resource portal for the education sector.
In addition to topical updates and insights, the hub also includes FAQs and guidance notes on everything from the ongoing management of health and safety in the classroom to the legal powers of government, refunds on school trips and HR and employment matters.
Visit our coronavirus hub >
New four-month DPO course starts January 2021
Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) continuous development programme provides DPOs with all they need to keep their knowledge up to date throughout the academic year, a key requirement of the GDPR. Delivered by our expert Dai Durbridge, the virtual course covers everything DPOs need to keep themselves up to date throughout the year.
Find out more >
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