November 2025 edition

As we head towards the end of the first term of the new academic year, the pace of change across the sector shows no sign of slowing. It's been a very busy period for colleges, schools and universities alike, and with the publication of the government's White Paper on post-16 education last week, there's plenty to digest. From an FE perspective, there’s a lot to like in the proposals: the introduction of new V Levels to bridge the gap between A

Smita Jamdar

Partner and Head of Education

Levels and T Levels, renewed reassurance around funding, and - most importantly - a clear acknowledgement of the vital role that colleges and skills play in the national conversation on education and training.

In this edition, we bring together the latest insights shaping that landscape. Our new Going Further and Higher podcast sees Smita Jamdar and Paul Greatrix explore the governance challenges facing higher education, including reflections on the Gillies Report into the University of Dundee. We also break down the DfE’s updated guidance on special severance payments in the FE sector - a significant shift that increases flexibility but introduces new compliance considerations around confidentiality.

In addition, we look at the growing uncertainty surrounding the introduction of the statutory free speech complaints scheme, with Smita offering her perspective on the risks, delays and regulatory tensions now facing institutions.

As ever, if you’d like to discuss any of the topics covered in this newsletter, or any other issues, our team is here to help.

Get in touch

Our latest education thoughts and insights

Department for Education Publishes Updated Guidance on Authorisation for Special Severance Payments in the FE Sector

Read More >

No free speech complaints scheme ‘until the end of the decade’

Read More >

Other thoughts & insights

The Unseen Risks of Restricting Flexible Working

Read More >

Supporting Neurodivergent Employees: What Counts as a Reasonable Adjustment?

Read More >

Bribery Act 2010: What Employers Need to Know About Gifts in Business

Read More >

Understanding Chattel Disputes in Charity Legacies

Read More >

Landmark Win for Defamation and a Settlement Against Steve Coogan and Pathé Productions

Read More >

Avoiding HR Pitfalls: Why Fair Investigations Matter in Disciplinary Cases

Read More >

Brexit Trade Mark Transition Ends in December 2025: What EU and UK Rights Holders Need to Know

Read More >

Going Further and Higher Podcast

Listen now

HE Governance Challenges and the Gillies Report on the University of Dundee

In this episode Smita Jamdar and Paul Greatrix explore a range of current governance challenges facing higher education institutions. In addition, they consider the issues arising from the report by Professor Pamela Gillies into governance failings at the University of Dundee and the lessons to be learned from this by the sector.

Webinars and events

Immigration Law Update for Sponsors: Key Changes to the Skilled Worker route

Catch up on this webinar for sponsors that provides a clear overview of the Skilled Worker route changes introduced on 22 July 2025. Following the government’s May 2025 immigration white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, significant changes to the immigration rules have been introduced, with further reforms expected.

Watch webinar

As always, we encourage you to engage with us through feedback, suggestions, and discussions. Please get in touch with any queries regarding the subjects discussed in this edition or any topics you would like to see in the future.

www.shma.co.uk

We are here to help, get in contact with us or you can call us on 0330 024 0333 - we'd love to understand how we can help you and your business.

Unsubscribe

Shakespeare Martineau LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC319029, is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 442480, with its registered office at No 1 Colmore Square, Birmingham, United Kingdom B4 6AA. Shakespeare Martineau LLP is a subsidiary of Ampa Holdings LLP (registered number OC435936).

‘Corclaim’, ‘Lime Solicitors’, ‘Marrons’ and ‘Mayo Wynne Baxter’ are business names of Shakespeare Martineau LLP.

Any reference to ‘partner’ in relation to Shakespeare Martineau LLP is a reference to a member of Ampa Holdings LLP or to an employee or consultant of Shakespeare Martineau LLP with equivalent standing and qualifications who is authorised by Shakespeare Martineau LLP to execute and to bind that entity accordingly. The members of Shakespeare Martineau LLP are Ampa Holdings LLP, Mark Beesley, Lesley Davis, Fiona Dodd, Suzanne Leggott, Dean Orgill, Grant Parker, Jonathan Porter, Alex Smith, Hannah Tait and Victoria Tester.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP operates in accordance with the regulatory requirements set out in the SRA Standards and Regulations specifically the Principles, Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs and the Code of Conduct for Firms, known collectively as the SRA Codes. For further information please visit here.

For information on how we process your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Notice.

Updated: September 2025

Shakespeare Martineau LLP, No 1, 1 Colmore Square, Birmingham, B4 6AA