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Construction disciplinary trends analysis #3: fraud and dishonesty
This article is the third instalment in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.
Read moreConstruction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!
This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.
Read moreConstruction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development
This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.
Read moreIs the FCA to blame for BSPS? MPs seem to think so
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday published a report entitled "Investigation into the British Steel Pension Scheme". The report makes a number of recommendations in light of its investigations in to the FCA's conduct and regulatory oversight at the time of the issues arising from the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) and in particular the decision by 7,834 members to transfer to a personal pension arrangement. The report is heavily critical of the FCA's handling of BSPS and its regulatory oversight of the defined benefit transfer market generally. Given the request in the report for an update from the FCA on its progress on the various recommendations and conclusions in 6 months' time, we wait to see how the FCA reacts to yet further criticism of its handling of BSPS at a time when it is reviewing responses to the consumer redress scheme consultation.
Read moreSIPPs and FOS - does the Rowanmoor decision change anything?
Last week FOS published a decision it reached last year in a complaint against a SIPP provider involving advised sales. The FOS upheld the complaint, finding that the SIPP provider should have rejected business from the regulated financial adviser, CIB Life and Pensions Limited (CIB), given, broadly, red flags available to the SIPP provider with respect to the operation of CIB's business model including that CIB was not advising on the ultimate investment within the SIPP and as a result such introductions involved a significant risk of consumer detriment. The decision has received quite a bit of press attention - but has it moved the dial for SIPP complaints before FOS or not?
Read moreThe Future of Insolvency Regulation
On 21 December 2021 the Government launched a consultation into the future of insolvency regulation. The changes proposed in the consultation document will have a wide ranging impact on the insolvency profession (and its insurers) with the proposals including: the direct regulation of insolvency firms, the introduction of a single regulatory body with powers to order compensation against insolvency practitioners and firms, a new additional requirements regime, changes to the bond regime and a public register of insolvency practitioners and firms. Many of the changes proposed require primary legislation and so it may be some time before the changes to take effect (if adopted). But there does appear to be some wind behind these proposals given they follow on from the Call for Evidence in 2019 and a more general focus on insolvency issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreThe CAT's new approach: I can't afford a carriage (dispute)
Since the collective proceedings regime in the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) kicked off, a number of carriage disputes have arisen. So-called 'carriage disputes' arise when there are two or more competing proposed class representatives (PCRs) seeking certification (and therefore 'carriage') of overlapping class actions.
Read moreBossing the rules
Watch out for RPC's new blog mini-series on the SRA Standards and Regulations 2019.
Read moreFCA issues Final Report in the Wholesale Insurance Broker Market Study
Today, the FCA released its Final Report in its Wholesale Insurance Broker Market Study. The study, which was launched in 2017, considered competition, transparency and conflicts concerns arising from changes in the market, including an increased use of broker facilities.
Read moreAccountants, auditors and actuaries beware: the FRC continues to show its teeth, as its future stands in the balance
In widely publicised news, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) continues to levy record high fines and has cast criticism on a number of firms. What appears to be an unforgiving stance taken by the regulator seems to come in the wake of the review into whether or not it should be disbanded, or folded into another regulatory organisation.
Read moreThe future of SIPPs – FCA responds to the Work and Pensions Committee
A couple of weeks ago we reported on 5 pointed questions raised by the Work and Pensions Committee of the FCA in relation to the SIPP market. Those questions included whether or not the FCA was considering banning non-standard investments in SIPPs. The FCA has now responded. The response includes the FCA's views on the due diligence it expects of SIPP providers when it comes to non-standard investments.
Read morePRA consultation to promote diversity on boards of large insurers
The PRA consults on further amendments to the Senior Insurance Managers Regime (SIMR) including promoting diversity on boards.
Read moreConstruction and Engineering Law 2024
We are delighted to have contributed once again to ICLG's Construction and Engineering Law guide for 2024. The comprehensive guide delves into the multifaceted world of construction and engineering law, providing an essential reference for understanding and comparing the handling of common legal challenges across various jurisdictions.
Read moreAI in Construction
There is a lot of discussion around Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and its application to industry. We have considered what AI is, the benefits and risks, how it fits into the construction industry, the effect on insurers and what the future holds.
Read moreAI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?
Read moreVirtual billboards: the future of immersive advertising?
With the deployment of immersive technologies poised to become the norm, the implementation of infrastructure for "virtual billboards", and the "property digital rights" which they demand, is demonstrating a lucrative gap in the market and huge growth potential.
Read moreThaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'
To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.
Read moreEU AI ACT-ion stations
The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.
Read moreWhat To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes
Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.
Read moreGenerative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position
The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.
Read moreUnderstanding and managing the risks in artificial intelligence (AI) technology projects
How do you go about managing the risks and challenges that might arise during the deployment of AI technology?
Read moreAI technology projects – the regulatory landscape
Parties engaged in AI technology projects should be mindful of the regulatory landscape, and the changes taking place within it. A failure to do so could result in an AI solution that is not compliant from a regulatory perspective, the use of which potentially creates risk for the technology provider and user.
Read moreA matter of interpretation – the Supreme Court look at contractual interpretation once more
In their recent Judgment in Sara & Hossein Asset Holdings Ltd (a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands) v Blacks Outdoor Retails Ltd [2023] UKSC 2 the Supreme Court adopted a commercially balanced interpretation of a lease; rejecting the overly textual approach of the Court of Appeal in favour of reading the relevant clause in the context of the lease as a whole.
Read moreNeed a psychiatrist? There's an app for that!
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have commissioned research to explore the public perception of Digital Mental Health Technology (DMHT).
Read moreThe UK and EU propose bans on 'forever chemicals' (PFAs) – Great for the environment but what about the medical industry?
'Forever chemicals', which are used in countless industries worldwide, have been linked to a range of health issues.
Read moreThe results are in: Physician and Anaesthetic Associates pose "a significant risk to patient safety" according to latest BMA opinion poll
A BMA survey completed by over 18,000 UK doctors has flagged significant concerns regarding the way Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthetic Associates (AAs) work within the NHS. The news comes as the Government implements plans to roll out a rapid medical associate recruitment plan and regulate associates through the General Medical Council (GMC), the doctors' regulator. In this blog we look at the reasons behind the backlash and how this may impact our healthcare and insurer clients.
Read moreWeighing up the risks: Remote GP consultations
Telephone and online GP appointments risk harming patients, according to a study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in November 2023. The study found that remote consultations have been linked to an increase in fatalities due to serious health conditions, that would likely have been picked up at face-to-face appointments.
Read moreWeight loss jabs – a litigation time bomb
Weight loss jabs like Ozempic are giving rise to new health concerns. Litigation is emerging in the US with firms claiming that cases will be in the thousands.
Read moreCutting the red tape: MHRA publish new guiding principles for AI-based medical devices
Developers of AI-based medical devices will benefit from the MHRA's new guiding principles which aim to reduce onerous regulatory requirements.
Read moreMental Health Act v Mental Capacity Act: How to avoid a deprivation of liberty claim
A finding that the detention of a teenager ('JS') with complex mental health issues was unlawfully deprived of her liberty highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) and Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).
Read moreMcCulloch and Others v Forth Valley Health Board [2023]: Bolam is back in the game for consent
Bolam is well and truly back in the game for consent! The Supreme Court’s decision in McCulloch confirms that the Bolam test should be applied when considering whether alternative treatment options should be discussed with a patient.
Read moreGeneral Damages Uplift: Beware
A recent decision in Coventry Combined County Court will have far -reaching impact on the valuation of all personal injury claims. The decision of Recorder Jack gives the green light for Claimants to seek higher general damages awards. In clinical negligence claims, where general damages can already be as high as £400,000, this will have significant implications for Defendants and their insurers.
Read moreNMC concerns over potentially fraudulent nurse registrations
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is contacting more than 500 professionals who trained abroad to determine whether they could have gained fraudulent or incorrect entry to the register after unusual and concerning data emerged from one its testing sites.
Read moreMet police withdraw: a radical restructuring of mental health provision
Metropolitan police officers to be banned from responding to mental health incidents from 31 August 2023.
Read moreQOCS rule changes now in force – has the imbalance been restored?
A review of the amendments to the QOCS regime and the impact on costs recovery for defendants and insurers.
Read moreThe Pharmacist will see you now: Independent Prescribing
Pharmacist independent prescribing services will be trialled across England in 2023 – a possible game changer for our healthcare system and one to watch for insurers.
Read more'A google map of the body' – how the metaverse is transforming the healthcare industry
Twins Bernardo and Arthur Lima were born conjoined at the head in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At almost four years old, they have undergone seven extensive surgeries in order to be separated. The operations involved almost 100 medical staff and were led by surgeon Dr Noor ul Owase Jeelani in at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Dr Gabriel Mufarrej in Brazil.
Read moreWeighty issues for diet app developers
2022 is set to be the year of the diet app. The distinction between what is a mere lifestyle app and what should in fact be a regulated medical product or service can be difficult to assess.
Read moreNew guidance on Machine Learning – plenty for humans to learn too
A triumvirate of healthcare regulators has published ten guiding principles (the Principles) concerning the development of Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP). The Principles shed light on the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) products that depend on machine learning. Humans should take note.
Read moreBlood Tube Shortage: Testing Times
Test tube shortage leading to delays in blood tests; protection for GPs from liability.
Read moreThe latest addition to Kwasi Kwarteng's reading list
The Regulatory Horizons Council report sets out recommendations for medical devices regulations reform in the UK
Read moreThe government responds to Cumberlege - What now for product liability risks in the life sciences sector?
The government has accepted most of Baroness Cumberlege's recommendations, with long term implications for litigation concerning medicines and medical devices.
Read moreLife sciences and the Brexit trade agreement of Christmas Eve 2020
As the nation prepared for muted Christmas celebrations at the end of last year, those in industry were able to feast on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement settled between the EU and UK on 24 December 2020 (the TCA). The TCA concluded months of uncertainty for the life sciences sector. Companies had been waiting to see how far the UK government would go in agreeing to follow EU standards concerning medicines and medical devices. By the time the EU and UK finally agreed the TCA, questions over life sciences regulations had rocketed up the agenda against a backdrop of vaccines and treatments developed to combat Covid-19.
Read moreCovid-19 vaccines: an injection of politics
A legacy of the pandemic will be greater debate, amongst politicians and the public, about how life sciences products are brought to the market.
Read moreThe Nocebo Effect: study into statins signals a timely warning
New study into statins highlights issue of the Nocebo Effect with implications for manufacturers, insurers and society
Read moreBuyer Beware: NHSX Guidance on Artificial Intelligence
NHSX Guide on AI is a useful resource for manufacturers and insurers in mitigating litigation risks
Read moreParents contest NICE Cannabis Guidelines at Court
A family is seeking judicial review of NICE guidelines in the hope that doctors are more likely to prescribe cannabis-based medicines. The outcome could have significant consequences for the healthcare sector.
Read moreBeyond the fruit and yoga: surviving or thriving?
Last week the RPC Mental Health Work Stream (our internal network) hosted an interactive session with over 60 colleagues and clients.
Read moreBack to the Future: a look ahead at medical malpractice issues for COVID-19-related claims
Future issues for Insurers to consider in assessing COVID-19 medical malpractice / clinical negligence claims.
Read moreSC double decision on vicarious liability
Handed down on 1 April, the two, separate, Supreme Court judgments on vicarious liability were no April Fool's jokes; they are serious and welcome responses to a difficult issue.
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