Social care providers

Social care providers face increasing financial and operational pressures, and strong legal support has never been more important

We can guide you through the legal and practical issues involved, including regulatory compliance, employment law, National Minimum Wage matters, contract transfers and disputes, and property advice.

Maybe you’re unsure about managing staffing or regulatory requirements? Or perhaps you need help with contracts or property decisions?

We’ll look at your current situation, talk through the outcomes you’re hoping for, and advise on your options - making sure you understand any regulatory requirements along the way.

Practical guidance for your social care services

We advise a wide range of charities and businesses delivering social care services and support, and can guide you through key areas such as:

• The ever-increasing regulatory and compliance requirements
• Negotiating (or renegotiating) contracts with councils or NHS trusts
• Resolving disputes, including through arbitration and mediation
• Managing property, from lease negotiations to health and safety requirements
• Data protection rules and compliance with the UK GDPR.

Specialist employment law support

Employment matters are often a key priority for many social care providers. Our employment solicitors have extensive experience supporting clients with the complex decisions around:

• Collective pay negotiations with Trade Unions including Unite and Unison
• Sleep-in shifts versus on-call work
• Handling sleep-in shift pay arrangements in contractual terms & conditions
• How to deal with underpayment claims
• Other employment issues, from equal pay to unfair dismissal to the operation of TUPE regulations.

The right approach to these employment law issues can vary between providers, and decisions are often strategic as well as legal. Our experienced team will look at the bigger picture – including the treatment of staff, recruitment, reputation and financial sustainability – so you can make informed choices.

Multi-disciplinary expertise

As a full-service law firm, we can bring in specialist solicitors from across our teams to provide additional support with everything from litigation and dispute resolution to historic abuse claims.