14 May 2008

Independent Schools – January 2008

Welcome to the second Weightmans’ newsletter for Independent Schools...

...and may we take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. As always, the New Year will no doubt provide many challenges to the Independent Schools sector, but hopefully it will also prove to be rewarding. This update looks at a number of these challenges including changes brought about by the Charities Act 2006 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

As always we hope that you find this newsletter both informative and practical and we would welcome any feedback on ways in which we can ensure that it best meets your needs. The editor is Andrew Cooper who is head of our Education Group. Andrew can be contacted at andrew.cooper@weightmans.com

The Charity Commission to publish “Public Interest” guidance

The Charity Commission has recently published a revised and updated timetable. Morris Hill looks at the revised timetable for the development of its advice and guidance for charities on ‘public benefit’ and considers what is in store for the year.

Independent Schools and Academies

The schools Minister informed that more than 20 private schools or private school foundations are now engaged in 47 academy projects. Morris Hill looks at the announcement by Andrew Adonis, as the government continues to encourage successful independent schools to consider becoming academies.

Are you a Personal Statement/CV fibber?

CV fibbing is rife, according to research. Hannah Strawbridge looks at what people will do to get a job and how employers can respond.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Following on from the article on staff recruitment in the first bulletin there are to be further changes to ensure the suitability of employees and prospective employees for working with children. Morris Hill looks at the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

Stress

In Conn v Sunderland City Council, the Court of Appeal has provided their first guidance on what constitutes harassment under the Protection of Harassment Act 1997 since Majrowski. Roddy Macleod, Partner in Weightmans Manchester, comments on the Conn v Sunderland City Council case.


This update does not attempt to provide a full analysis of those matters with which it deals and is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for legal advice. Weightmans LLP accepts no responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on the information in this update. The copyright in this update is owned by Weightmans.