Read our latest legal updates, news, and blogs below.
Subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you stay up to date with our latest legal news and expert insights.
Filters
News articles
Beware of becoming a cartel
In the wake of Spire’s £1.2m fine by the Competition and Markets Authority, Michael Rourke draws attention to the competition law implications for independent practitioners.
Revised Network Contract DES – key dates for CCGs
The network contract DES for 2020/21 contains various key dates of which practices, PCNs and commissioners need to be aware: PCNs – September to implement Workforce plans
Podcast: How to get the most out of CQC inspections
In August the Care Quality Commission helpfully published the document “How to get the most out of inspections”. In our latest podcast, Hempsons’ Jill Baker and social care law expert Philippa Doyle discuss this helpful guidance.
Reintroduction of CHC (continuing healthcare) assessments with effect from 1 September 2020
The Department of Health and Social Care has released new guidance surrounding the reintroduction of CHC (continuing healthcare assessments) with effect from 1 September 2020. Philippa Doyle provides a summary.
Making probationary periods work for you
Are you getting maximum benefit from probationary periods for new staff? Julia Gray examines the purpose and operation of probation and suggests how it can work most effectively in independent practice.
How do you know when a safeguarding matter is a “serious incident” for the purposes of the Charity Commission?
Safeguarding of those involved in the charities sector, and particularly beneficiaries of charities, has become of increasing importance to the Charity Commission in recent years. Some headlines involving major charities such as Oxfam and Save the Children Fund have brought this topic to the top of the Charity Commission’s agenda.
Clinical Director – How well do you understand your role?
If you are a Clinical Director, have you considered getting some training? Hempsons has developed a Clinical Directors Masterclass.
Client spotlight: The Skill Mill extends its successful programme for youth offenders
Hempsons Partner, Crispin Pettifer, has advised The Skill Mill on an exciting project to extend the programme they deliver to more vulnerable young people.
Revised Network Contract DES – key date 31 August – Workforce
The network contract DES for 2020/21 contains various key dates of which practices, PCNs and commissioners need to be aware. Key dates for 2020 are summarised in PDF and upcoming dates are listed below.
How to get the most out of CQC inspections
CQC have helpfully published the document “How to get the most out of inspections”, showing exactly how an inspection should operate from beginning to end.
Do you know what a good inspection looks like?
Hopefully the vast majority of inspections will follow that process but if Providers find themselves in a situation very different to that described here, it is important to report that back through the CQC complaints process and via the Factual Accuracy Challenge.
ICO tool kit for handling FOI requests
The ICO has launched an online self assessment tool kit to help public authorities get back on track in handling FOI requests.
Are probationary periods working for you?
Do you use probationary periods for new employees? Are you confident you’re using them correctly and getting the most out of them? Julia Gray comments on their use and highlights common mistakes made by employers.
General practice mergers: Look before you leap!
Hempsons Senior Solicitor Kirsty Odell sets out some of the key considerations for any practice that is thinking of merging.