Health & Social Care Regulation

Instructed by a residential care provider to dispute the accuracy of a draft inspection report, together with the ratings proposed for one of its services. Our representations resulted in the report being revised, with a finding of regulatory breach removed entirely. A follow-on rating review secured a further improvement, with the overall rating moving up from “Requires Improvement” to “Good.”

Acting for a care provider in appealing a CQC decision, made on an urgent basis, to attach a condition to its registration limiting admissions at one of its services. The appeal succeeded before the First-tier Tribunal, and the admissions restriction was subsequently removed from the registration.

Advising a care home operator that had received a series of warning notices from CQC. Detailed representations were prepared in response to each notice, leading to all of them being withdrawn without any further enforcement action being taken.

Acting for a Welsh care provider in challenging enforcement action taken by Care Inspectorate Wales, including preparing representations and, where necessary, an appeal under the Welsh regulatory framework. The enforcement notice was withdrawn following engagement with CIW.

Acting for a care provider facing a CQC proposal to cancel its registration outright. Representations addressing both the evidential basis and proportionality of the proposed cancellation persuaded CQC to withdraw the notice before the matter reached tribunal.

Representing a children’s home provider through a Section 42 Care Act safeguarding enquiry that the provider considered had been triggered by an unfounded referral. Sustained engagement with the local authority throughout the enquiry secured a proportionate and timely conclusion, with no findings made against the provider.

Advising a residential care operator throughout a local authority safeguarding investigation, including appearing at multi-agency meetings on the provider’s behalf and writing to the authority to challenge aspects of how the process was being conducted. The intervention prompted the authority to change course: an admissions freeze that had been in place was lifted, and the safeguarding process was brought to a close without further delay.

Advising a nursing home provider in a dispute with an NHS integrated care board over a continuing healthcare funding decision, including preparing detailed representations challenging the eligibility assessment. The funding decision was overturned on review, with backdated funding subsequently agreed.

Negotiating on behalf of a care provider in a placement fee dispute with a local authority commissioner, following a unilateral attempt to reduce agreed rates. Formal correspondence setting out the contractual and cost-of-care position led to the authority reinstating the agreed fee level.

Advising a care provider in its capacity as an interested person at a coroner’s inquest following the death of a service user, including preparing the provider’s evidence and representations on the scope of the inquiry.

Supporting a prospective purchaser of a group of care homes with regulatory due diligence ahead of completion, including reviewing registration status, inspection history, and open enforcement action across the target group, and advising on associated transaction risk.

Corporate

From Series A funding and management buyouts to major acquisitions and full exits, we act on transactions at every stage of the business lifecycle.

Banking & Finance

Funding structures, loan facilities and financial arrangements to support your transaction.

Intellectual Property

Our specialist IP team provides support and guidance on a full range of services, from trademarks and copyright to IP Development, brand management, design and disputes

Employment & HR

A full range of employment and HR legal advice including TUPE advice, tribunal defence, HR documentation, management incentive arrangements and employment considerations on deals.

FinTech

From FCA applications to investment, fundraising and M&A support, or specialist advice, our FinTech team will work closely with you to ensure you succeed.