During this podcast, Jackie Thomas and Shiv Raja discuss: the background to the FCA’s consultation paper (‘CP23/20: Diversity and inclusion in the financial sector – working together to drive change’).the FCA’s main proposals.what the consultation says about non-financial misconduct.some practical examples with a view on the impact the proposed amendments to the FCA Handbook will have on individuals and firms.how firms operating in the financial sector can prepare for any changes.

In our latest podcast, our partner Ivor Adair is joined by Sara Ibrahim, a barrister from Gatehouse Chambers, who specialises in AI at work.  In an invaluable introduction to a complex topic, they examine the legal and practical implications of Chat GPT in the workplace and consider what you need to do if you are in a leadership role to embrace this technology. Among the topics covered are: An introduction to Generative Pre-trained (GPT) artificial intelligenceAn overview of how it might be used in a workplace including for research, productivity enhancement and upskillingA review of the possible risks including liability risks caused by the lack of human oversight, problems with (in)accuracy, breach of confidence, breach of contract, breach of UK GDPR or even professional dutiesThe importance for employers of focus on employee impact and of taking advice on possible equality and diversity implications and whether a data impact assessment is appropriateRecommendations to leadership teams on how to get started, including scoping a proper understanding of the implications of the technology and the scale and complexity of the task they are looking to augment

With the Government currently considering introducing mandatory mediation, last month Shoshana Bacall caught up with special guest Mediator Rachael Bicknell, founder of Squaring Circles, to discuss mediation in the second of two podcasts on the topic. Join Shoshana and Rachael in part 2 of this podcast when they talk about: Non-compliance with settlements reached in mediationsImportance of mindsetTiming of mediationUsing mediation to resolve workplace conflictThe importance of management competence in conflict resolution

With the Government currently considering introducing mandatory mediation, last month Shoshana Bacall caught up with special guest Mediator Rachael Bicknell, founder of Squaring Circles, to discuss mediation in the first of two podcasts on the topic. Join Shoshana and Rachael in this first podcast when they talk about: the cost of workplace disputesmediation as an alternative form of dispute resolutionwhat mediation has to offerhow best to preparewhether mediation is a sign of weakness.

Bullying and Executive Conflict: Leadership Pathways to Resilient Relationships – Part II Our partner Ivor Adair and coach Graham Browning, former Magic Circle lawyer and a troubleshooter on people issues, are back in discussion in the second of our podcasts on the subject of bullying and executive conflict in the workplace. In this episode, Ivor and Graham move on to discuss issues relating to bulling in a corporate environment versus in professional partnerships.  They cover practical tips for leadership teams and techniques for resolving issues in a hybrid working environment.

Join our partner Ivor Adair and coach Graham Browning, former Magic Circle lawyer and a troubleshooter on people issues, for the first of two podcasts on the subject of bullying and executive conflict in the workplace.   In this first episode, their free-ranging discussion covers the dynamics of bullying, common themes and early warning signs, as well as policies and legal issues.

Join Catriona Watt and Shiv Raja for the second of two podcasts examining post termination non-compete clauses – a topic recently back on the radar as a result of Government consultation looking at their future.  Many employers continue to regard these types of provision as an important part of business protection in certain situations, but they are also often seen as a restraint on individual employees’ freedom. In this second episode, Catriona and Shiv talk about: the practical and legal options for employers if a breach or potential breach of a non-compete clause is discoveredthe pros and cons of taking different courses of actionpractical steps an employer can take to protect its businessthe issue of  payment during a non-compete period

Join Catriona Watt and Shiv Raja for the first of two podcasts examining post termination non-compete clauses – a topic recently back on the radar as a result of Government consultation looking at their future. Many employers continue to regard these types of provision as an important part of business protection in certain situations, but they are also often seen  as a restraint on individual employees’ freedom. In this first podcast, Catriona and Shiv talk about: why employers choose to include non-compete clauses in contractskey considerations when thinking about incorporating a non-compete clause into employment termsdispelling the common myth that non-compete clauses are not enforceablewarnings signs that an employee has or is about to breach their contractual restrictions

In our latest podcast our partner Dean Fuller and Associate Eleanor Diamond examine a lesser-known remedy that members of an LLP may consider when they have suffered loss due to actions of the majority, opening up the possibility for members to bring their claim using the firm’s funds. There are number of recent cases which are of particular importance when considering derivative actions in the LLP context and, in the light of these, Dean and Eleanor discuss: The potential for members to bring actions on behalf of the LLP against a wrongdoing majorityWhat we can learn from recent case law in this areaThe advantages and potential pitfalls of bringing derivative actions

With reports of an abnormally high volume of resignations this year, many of those resigning will want to take a different career path, but that can be hard to do well.  In this podcast our Ivor Adair and special guest Rachel Brushfield discuss the challenges of making a new start post-pandemic covering: How to make a good new career choice;Planning for the transition;Tools you need to drive your plan forward;Top tips for executive transitions.

There has been a significant mental health decline amongst the work leaders since the pandemic. Our Catriona Watt and guest speaker Nikki Swan discuss Senior Executive and Partner Well-being post-pandemic covering: the impact of working through the pandemic on senior leadership mental healthfundamental principles to ensure and implement a culture of wellbeingtakeaways for senior individuals and firms interested in well-being at work

With the rise in social media use and leadership teams placing increasing importance on reputation, our Ivor Adair and Claire Plumb provide practical guidance for employers including: What to do when employees post undesirable comments on social media;What a good social media policy should cover;The benefits of guidelines and training for social media use;How employers can protect their confidential information;Considerations for monitoring online activity.

To mark World Whistleblowers' Day, our Caroline Field and Remziye Ozcan discuss why a focus on prevention of whistleblowing claims is often better for all parties than a successful outcome at trial, including: Creating a culture of “speaking up”, and the importance of setting the tone from the topWhat can a good policy doCommon pitfalls when disclosures are made in practiceIndustry specific requirementsPredictions for the future

At a time of high mobility within the professional services market, this month’s episode, featuring Dean Fuller and Eleanor Diamond, looks at how partners leaving one firm to join another can best manage their transition, including: The importance of financial due diligenceConsiderations of liabilityFuture exit provisionsIssues relating to restrictive covenants and team movesAlignment on attitude to risk and cultural fit

In this special guest episode, featuring David Reade QC from Littleton Chambers and Ivor Adair, we look at the unanticipated implications of the recent Uber judgment on the employment status of partners. What new risks does the judgment present for partnerships and LLPs and what can firms do to protect themselves? Why is this potentially significant? What should current and prospective partners, particularly junior equity and fixed share partners be aware of?

At a time when economic turbulence is leading to increased team move activity, Fox & Partners’ Ivor Adair and Shiv Raja look at the challenges facing employers investigating suspicions of a team move, particularly in a home-working environment. How can you spot the early signs of a team move, and how can IT help? What practical steps can you take and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

A quick heads up on our new podcast exploring legal issues around partnerships and employment law.