Search results

Perspective - Blog

How to comply with the FCA's new diversity and inclusion targets for listed companies

Published on 05 May 2022. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

The FCA has finalised its new rules on diversity and inclusion on listed company boards and executive committees. The rules, which are set out in the FCA's policy paper PS22/3: Diversity and inclusion on company boards and executive management, are substantially in line with the proposals set out in the FCA's consultation paper CP 21/24. In scope listed companies are required to include a statement in their annual financial report on whether they have met specific board diversity targets on a ‘comply or explain’ basis, as at a chosen reference date within their accounting period.

Perspective - Blog

Lloyd's' focus on a more sustainable future

Published on 07 Dec 2021. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Lloyd's published its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report at the end of last year and while this is a fairly new focus area for Lloyd's it noted that: a) in its history it has a long record of contributing to communities and helping them to recover from disaster; and b) the role that insurance plays in protecting society and supporting global economic growth.

Perspective - Blog

The rise of ESG finance

Published on 01 Oct 2021. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Desk

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) finance remains a hot topic and continues to grow rapidly, with Bloomberg predicting the $2.2 trillion ESG debt market to hit $11 trillion by 2025, based on the rate of growth during the past five years.

Perspective - Blog

Balance on the board: Eight things UK PLCs need to know about the FCA's diversity targets

Published on 27 Sep 2021. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

The Financial Conduct Authority's proposals will mean UK listed companies need to disclose whether their boards and senior management teams meet new gender and ethnic diversity targets.

Perspective - Blog

Time for public companies to come clean: New UK climate-related disclosures and ESG guidance

Published on 03 Feb 2021. By Connor Cahalane, Partner, Head of Public Companies

Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market will need to include a statement in their annual report confirming if they have made climate-related disclosures consistent with the recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Companies planning to IPO, or move from AIM to the Main Market, are also affected by these new Listing Rules.

Perspective - Podcast

A look at climate insurance (With Richard Matsui)

Published on 20 Apr 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Richard Matsui, Co-founder of kWh Analytics, and they will be discussing the insurance of renewable energy sources with a particular focus on solar power.

Perspective - Publication

Insurers need their own Hippocratic Oath

Published on 22 Mar 2022. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Peter Mansfield, Partner

Does insurance have a role to play in setting the ethical standard for corporate ESG and promoting a ‘do no harm’ philosophy?"

Perspective - Podcast

A look at sustainable insurance (a podcast with Julian Richardson)

Published on 20 Jan 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting and our topic for this episode is sustainable insurance.

Perspective - Podcast

A look at Flood Re (a podcast with Andy Bord)

Published on 22 Dec 2021.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, a specialist UK reinsurer of flood risks. In this episode we will be discussing all things Flood Re.

Perspective - Publication

Government to cover negligence claims against GPs

Published on 17 Oct 2017. By Dorothy Flower, Partner

Government to cover negligence claims against GPs

Perspective - Blog

Context is everything – key takeaways on green claims from the CMA's recent consumer law conference

Published on 18 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

On 28 June 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) held a highly anticipated conference on consumer law and enforcement. RPC's Senior Partner Oliver Bray was invited to speak on green claims alongside a stellar panel comprising Anna Jewitt (CMA), Justine Grimley (Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)), Tim Rowe (Financial Conduct Authority), and Rupert Earle (Bates Wells).

Perspective - Blog

Climate-related financial disclosures: what companies and LLPs need to know about the UK's new mandatory rules

Published on 10 May 2022.

The UK's new climate-related financial disclosures: mandatory requirements to come clean

Perspective - Blog

'Big Plastic' is an emerging climate risk and a ticking time-bomb for litigation

Published on 14 Apr 2022. By Lucy Dyson , Partner

The tangible commitment to plastics regulation and action will likely trigger a new wave of plastics-related litigation.

Perspective - Blog

Shell directors facing potential UK ESG shareholder derivative lawsuit

Published on 18 Mar 2022. By James Wickes, Partner

In the wake of COP26, more focus than ever is being given to the climate risks which apply to every aspect of business. Scrutiny of a company's climate awareness and adherence to applicable regulation is at the forefront of minds of companies' stakeholders.

Perspective - Blog

ESG claims in the banking and financial markets Sector: will "greenwashing" claims soon be common in the UK?

Published on 14 Feb 2022. By Chris Ross, Partner

Environmental, Social and Governance "ESG" funds are an attractive avenue for investors seeking responsible investment choices.

Perspective - Publication

What if the CEO asks me... about ESG-linked financing facilities

Published on 28 Sep 2021. By Edward Colville, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Desk

As focus moves from short term lockdown liquidity on to longer term financing needs, loan facilities linked to ESG and sustainability targets are back in the news.

Perspective - Blog

FCA set to expand climate-related reporting rules

Published on 17 May 2021. By James Parsons, Associate and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The FCA has revealed it will consult on plans to require asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension schemes to meet climate-related disclosure rules. In doing so, the FCA is expanding the scope of firms required to report on climate-related risks in accordance with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).

Perspective - Blog

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance and corporate property deals – the importance of timing!

Published on 21 May 2019. By Ben Roberts, Partner

The First-Tier Tribunal has, in a recent decision, caused something of a stir for clients and advisors familiar with the well-trodden (and, usually, tax-efficient) use of offshore unit trusts to hold UK property.

Perspective - Blog

Unpacking the Building Safety Act's industry overhaul

Published on 06 Mar 2024. By Zoe Eastell, Partner and Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate

On June 28, 2022, the Building Safety Act 2022 received royal assent, bringing about the biggest change to building safety in 40 years.

Perspective - Blog

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!

Published on 21 Feb 2024. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Press and Media

The Times recognises RPC among Best Law Firms 2024

Published on 30 Oct 2023.

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised by The Times in its Best Law Firms 2024 report, an annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.

Perspective - Blog

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development

Published on 16 Oct 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Perspective - Blog

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Perspective - Blog

Building on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion

Published on 24 Sep 2020.

Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.

Profile

Jessica Yates

Perspective - Blog

Need a psychiatrist? There's an app for that!

Published on 18 Jun 2024. By Emma Kislingbury, Senior Associate

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).

Perspective - Blog

The UK and EU propose bans on 'forever chemicals' (PFAs) – Great for the environment but what about the medical industry?

Published on 14 Mar 2024. By Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor

'Forever chemicals', which are used in countless industries worldwide, have been linked to a range of health issues.

Perspective - Blog

The results are in: Physician and Anaesthetic Associates pose "a significant risk to patient safety" according to latest BMA opinion poll

Published on 12 Mar 2024. By Alice Lacey, Associate

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.

Perspective - Blog

Weighing up the risks: Remote GP consultations

Published on 02 Feb 2024. By Shireen Hussain, Paralegal

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.

Perspective - Blog

Weight loss jabs – a litigation time bomb

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor

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.

Perspective - Blog

Cutting the red tape: MHRA publish new guiding principles for AI-based medical devices

Published on 22 Nov 2023. By Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor

Developers of AI-based medical devices will benefit from the MHRA's new guiding principles which aim to reduce onerous regulatory requirements.

Perspective - Blog

Mental Health Act v Mental Capacity Act: How to avoid a deprivation of liberty claim

Published on 03 Oct 2023. By Genevieve Isherwood, Senior Associate and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor

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).

Perspective - Blog

McCulloch and Others v Forth Valley Health Board [2023]: Bolam is back in the game for consent

Published on 18 Aug 2023. By James Davies, Senior Associate and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor

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.

Perspective - Blog

General Damages Uplift: Beware

Published on 11 Jul 2023. By Genevieve Isherwood, Senior Associate

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.

Perspective - Blog

NMC concerns over potentially fraudulent nurse registrations

Published on 28 Jun 2023. By Shireen Hussain, Paralegal

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.

Perspective - Blog

Met police withdraw: a radical restructuring of mental health provision

Published on 14 Jun 2023. By Genevieve Isherwood, Senior Associate

Metropolitan police officers to be banned from responding to mental health incidents from 31 August 2023.

Perspective - Blog

QOCS rule changes now in force – has the imbalance been restored?

Published on 16 May 2023. By Georgie Jenkin, Associate

A review of the amendments to the QOCS regime and the impact on costs recovery for defendants and insurers.

Perspective - Blog

The Pharmacist will see you now: Independent Prescribing

Published on 20 Mar 2023. By Alice Lacey, Associate and James Davies, Senior Associate

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.

Perspective - Blog

'A google map of the body' – how the metaverse is transforming the healthcare industry

Published on 27 Feb 2023. By Ellie McCarthy, Associate

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.

Perspective - Blog

Weighty issues for diet app developers

Published on 04 Jan 2022. By Dorothy Flower, Partner

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.

Perspective - Blog

New guidance on Machine Learning – plenty for humans to learn too

Published on 04 Nov 2021.

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.

Perspective - Blog

Blood Tube Shortage: Testing Times

Published on 03 Sep 2021. By Genevieve Isherwood, Senior Associate

Test tube shortage leading to delays in blood tests; protection for GPs from liability.

Perspective - Blog

The latest addition to Kwasi Kwarteng's reading list

Published on 24 Aug 2021.

The Regulatory Horizons Council report sets out recommendations for medical devices regulations reform in the UK

Perspective - Blog

The government responds to Cumberlege - What now for product liability risks in the life sciences sector?

Published on 26 Jul 2021.

The government has accepted most of Baroness Cumberlege's recommendations, with long term implications for litigation concerning medicines and medical devices.

Perspective - Blog

Life sciences and the Brexit trade agreement of Christmas Eve 2020

Published on 26 Mar 2021.

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.

Perspective - Blog

Covid-19 vaccines: an injection of politics

Published on 07 Jan 2021.

A legacy of the pandemic will be greater debate, amongst politicians and the public, about how life sciences products are brought to the market.

Perspective - Blog

The Nocebo Effect: study into statins signals a timely warning

Published on 17 Nov 2020. By Dorothy Flower, Partner

New study into statins highlights issue of the Nocebo Effect with implications for manufacturers, insurers and society

Perspective - Blog

Buyer Beware: NHSX Guidance on Artificial Intelligence

Published on 15 Oct 2020.

NHSX Guide on AI is a useful resource for manufacturers and insurers in mitigating litigation risks

Perspective - Blog

Parents contest NICE Cannabis Guidelines at Court

Published on 16 Sep 2020.

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.

Perspective - Blog

Beyond the fruit and yoga: surviving or thriving?

Published on 16 Jun 2020. By Mental Health Workstream,

Last week the RPC Mental Health Work Stream (our internal network) hosted an interactive session with over 60 colleagues and clients.