https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/legal-updatesKohanaPHPJenny Higgins and Zoe Beelshttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/updated-insolvency-code-of-ethics-what-do-insolvency-practitioners-need-to-knowThu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100The Joint Insolvency Committee, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA), has approved and issued a revised Insolvency Code of Ethics. The updated Code took effect from 1 October 2025.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/updated-insolvency-code-of-ethics-what-do-insolvency-practitioners-need-to-knowJessica Clayhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/no-strike-off-for-dishonesty-a-case-law-review-of-exceptional-circumstancesWed, 17 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000In three recent judgments handed down by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (the ‘Tribunal’) – Solicitors Regulation Authority v Orton, Solicitors Regulation Authority v Panesar-Jagdev, and Solicitors Regulation Authority v McCullagh – the Tribunal found allegations of dishonesty proved but decided the circumstances fell within the small residual category of ‘exceptional circumstances’, thus warranting a more lenient sanction. In this blog, we consider recent case law in this area and, in particular, look at when the general rule of strike off for dishonesty has and has not been judged an appropriate sanction.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/no-strike-off-for-dishonesty-a-case-law-review-of-exceptional-circumstancesJulie Mathesonhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/beckwith-v-sra-are-there-implications-for-the-regulation-of-professional-accountants-who-face-sexual-misconduct-allegationsThu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000In our fourth blog in our series on Beckwith v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2020] EWHC 3231 (Admin), we turn our attention to consider what impact, if any, this landmark decision might have on the regulation of professional accountants. While the case turned on some very specific features relating to the regulation of solicitors as contained in the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Principles and Code of conduct, some parts of the judgment may have more general application.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/beckwith-v-sra-are-there-implications-for-the-regulation-of-professional-accountants-who-face-sexual-misconduct-allegationsIain Millerhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/beckwith-v-sra-an-analysis-of-the-courts-landmark-decisionMon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000The decision of the Divisional Court in Beckwith v SRA [2020] EWHC 3231 (Admin) has attracted extensive press attention as it is the first SRA case involving allegations of sexual misconduct that are not based on criminal conviction to reach the High Court.  In high level terms the Court found that sexual misconduct cases should be confined to cases that clearly engage the SRA’s Code of Conduct and expressed the view that there were limits on how far a regulator should take action in relation to matters of private life.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/beckwith-v-sra-an-analysis-of-the-courts-landmark-decisionKirsty Churm and Jessica Clayhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sexual-misconduct-allegations-in-law-firms-are-ever-present-following-due-process-is-keyThu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100As another case involving allegations of sexual misconduct relating to a senior partner of a law firm has been concluded before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal just this week, resulting in the imposition of a £10,000 fine being confirmed on 22 July 2020, it is perhaps safe to say that, for now, there is no sign that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has lost its appetite to investigate and act on reports of this nature that it receives. https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sexual-misconduct-allegations-in-law-firms-are-ever-present-following-due-process-is-keyLegal Services Regulation Teamhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/no-finding-of-dishonesty-dispensed-with-in-quick-orderTue, 12 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000SRA v Siaw [2019] EWHC 2737 (Admin)https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/no-finding-of-dishonesty-dispensed-with-in-quick-orderIain Miller and Jessica Clayhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/stars-reporting-concerns-understanding-your-obligationsTue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000In the second blog in this series, we referred to the cooperating and reporting obligations in the new Codes of Conduct being notably different, when compared to corresponding provisions in the 2011 Code of Conduct and to other rules and regulations in the 2011 Handbook. https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/stars-reporting-concerns-understanding-your-obligationsLaura Vignoleshttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/all-relevant-evidence-a-reminder-to-regulatorsSun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Professional Standards Authority (PSA) v General Dental Council (GDC) and another [2019] EWHC 2640 (Admin)https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/all-relevant-evidence-a-reminder-to-regulatorsJessica Clay and Iain Millerhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/understanding-the-new-sra-principles-and-code-the-long-readThu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0100In November 2015, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) published its position paper “Looking to the Future”, through which it committed to a phased review of the SRA Handbook and its overall approach to regulation. It was also at this stage that a new regulatory model, with two distinct strands, was first proposed.  This model sought, on the one hand, to regulate individuals through education and entry standards, on-going competence and ethical behaviours. On the other hand, it sought to regulate firms, with emphasis being on their systems and controls. https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/understanding-the-new-sra-principles-and-code-the-long-readIain Miller and Jessica Clayhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/reach-for-the-starsTue, 22 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0100Are we nearly there yet? As most in the legal profession are now aware, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be launching its new set of Standards and Regulations (known now by many as the “StaRs”) on 25 November 2019.  The StaRs could herald a new era in legal regulation in which there will be a distinct shift in focus, both in terms of what the SRA considers to be its priorities as a regulator (of both individuals and firms), and in what the SRA expects of those it regulates.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/reach-for-the-starsJulie Norrishttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/metoo-one-year-on-can-we-expect-regulatory-guidance-soonFri, 19 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100This week marks the first anniversary of the start of #metoo movement. The last 12 months have seen a seemingly unabaiting global conversation about the rising number of reports of sexual harassment, both inside and outside the workplace. Julie Norris and Charlotte Judd discuss sexual harassment in the workplace and firms’ regulatory obligations, calling for better #metoo related guidance from accounting regulators.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/metoo-one-year-on-can-we-expect-regulatory-guidance-soonIain Millerhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sra-handbook-2019-time-to-start-preparingThu, 14 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100On 14th June 2018 the SRA published the response to its consultation on the new SRA Handbook along with a revised draft of the new SRA Handbook.  The SRA will now seek Legal Services Board approval of the SRA Handbook which is expected to be received in the autumn.  The SRA’s intention is that the new Handbook will come into force in April 2019. It is not anticipated that the LSB’s review process will lead to any major amendments. We have therefore reached the stage where firms can begin to plan their own implementation.  This note is intended to provide an introduction to the main changes.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sra-handbook-2019-time-to-start-preparingEmily Carter and Fred Allenhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/the-icos-regulatory-action-policy-what-to-expect-in-the-new-gdpr-eraTue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has begun consulting on a new Regulatory Action Policy (“the Policy”). This new policy is intended to provide “direction and focus” for those the ICO regulates, the public and its staff - and therefore demands careful consideration by anyone concerned about regulatory action within this new GDPR era. Critically, the Policy reiterates the ICO’s commitment to a balanced approach to regulation by creating an environment in which data subjects are protected whilst business is able to operate and innovate efficiently:https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/the-icos-regulatory-action-policy-what-to-expect-in-the-new-gdpr-eraShannett Thompsonhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/press-round-up-regulatory-and-professional-discipline-february-2018-march-2018Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0100Recent news relating to General Medical Council (GMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Bar Standards Board (BSB) and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/press-round-up-regulatory-and-professional-discipline-february-2018-march-2018Iain Millerhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sexual-misconduct-and-the-duty-to-report-to-the-sraTue, 13 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000On 12th March 2018 the SRA published a warning notice on the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (“NDAs”).  I have already blogged on the ethical issues that underpin the SRA’s notice here [link to IWD blog on NDAs] and I am currently working on a more detailed project with others around the use of NDAs that we hope will provide some more assistance to firms.  https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/sexual-misconduct-and-the-duty-to-report-to-the-sraShannett Thompsonhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/press-round-up-regulatory-and-professional-discipline-december-2017-january-2018Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Recent news relating to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), General Medical Council (GMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/press-round-up-regulatory-and-professional-discipline-december-2017-january-2018Hannah Ealeshttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/fire-safety-is-a-company-director-also-a-responsible-personMon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000Fire Safety is just one of the many issues with which management must concern themselves.  However, unlike a lot of other safety concerns, fire has the potential for large scale and devastating consequences.  https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/fire-safety-is-a-company-director-also-a-responsible-personLaura Vignoleshttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/discretion-and-everyday-case-management-a-revision-guide-from-the-court-of-appealFri, 26 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000Hussain v General Pharmaceutical Council [2018] EWCA Civ 22https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/discretion-and-everyday-case-management-a-revision-guide-from-the-court-of-appealHannah Ealeshttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/has-fire-regulation-in-our-schools-become-laxTue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000In the wake of Dame Judith Hackitt’s interim report, a recent investigation conducted by ITV News Tyne Tees, (‘the investigation’) has found inconsistencies in how regularly schools around the region conduct fire risk assessments.https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/has-fire-regulation-in-our-schools-become-laxGuest Authorhttps://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/high-court-success-for-gmc-after-medical-practitioners-tribunal-fails-to-grapple-with-concerns-about-doctors-evidenceFri, 29 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000General Medical Council (GMC) v Lamming Queen's Bench Division (Administrative Court), 18 December 2017 [2017] EWHC 3309 (Admin)https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/insights/blogs/regulatory-blog/high-court-success-for-gmc-after-medical-practitioners-tribunal-fails-to-grapple-with-concerns-about-doctors-evidence