News
Welcome to our news page. Here you will find out what we’re up to and what we think about recent events and future possibilities.
New Guidance for Adult Social Care Settings: What Employers Need to Know
On 31 March 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care published the much awaited new guidance on infection and control resource for adult social care. This includes the Government’s updated guidance on vaccinations and testing. The key changes in the new guidance are set out below.
Devonshires adds eight to its partnership
We are delighted to announce that we have promoted eight Solicitors to Partner, bringing our total Partner count to 51.
The Government asks developers to pledge they will remediate defective buildings or risk being stopped from developing
The Government has now revealed how it intends to use the proposed amendments to the Building Safety Bill to force the hands of those who have “played a role” in the development of buildings over 11 metres tall with “life-critical” fire safety defects that require remediation. The Government has threatened to prohibit planning permission and Building Control sign-off for developers who do not voluntarily comply with commitments to fund and carry out or fund the necessary remedial works.
Devonshires receive Highly Commended accolade at the LexisNexis Legal awards 2022
Yesterday, the awards ceremony for the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2022 took place, during which we received the Highly Commended accolade.
Changes to the Mental Capacity Act (“MCA”) Code of Practice and implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards (“LPS”)
The LPS regime will be the new authorisation process for the deprivation of liberty of those aged 16 or over where they lack the mental capacity to consent to their care arrangements. The LPS framework will replace what is currently known as ‘DoLs’.
Social Housing (Regulation) Bill
The sample draft clauses and explanatory notes on the future of social housing regulation (the draft legislation) published on 29 March 2022 fulfil the Government’s promise to publish an update in March and provide the sector with long-awaited insight into the legislative changes proposed.
Housing Ombudsman’s latest Spotlight Report: Landlords’ engagement with private freeholders and managing agents
On 22 March 2022 the Ombudsman published its latest spotlight report, examining landlords’ engagement with private freeholders and managing agents.
Providing greater clarity on regulation in uncertain times – new Regulating the Standards guidance issued
The RSH’s latest iteration of ‘Regulating the Standards’ (RTS), issued earlier this month, provides greater clarity on the RSH’s approach to assessing compliance of registered providers of social housing (RPs) against the current requirements of the regulatory standards.
Building Safety Bill Amendment: removing the requirement for Building Safety Managers
The current draft Building Safety Bill (“the Bill”) which has been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government includes the requirement for the accountable person of a higher-risk building to appoint a building safety manager (“BSM”).
Devonshires expansion continues with the opening of a Birmingham office
As part of our strategic commitment to better serve our Midlands client base, we are opening an office in Birmingham.
Preparing for PFI Contract Expiry
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority, which is a Governmental body, has issued guidance for contracting authorities on managing the expiry of PFI contracts and the necessary service transition. It is imperative that all parties engaged in the private finance initiative (PFI) are aware of the issues presented in this document, as they will guide contracting
Latest partner hire for Devonshires strengthens corporate offering
Dual-qualified Helen Curtis joins our Banking, Governance and Corporate team.
