Welcome to the latest edition of Executive Matters, our quarterly publication tailored to the challenges and legal issues faced by Senior Executives.
As many of you will know, I recently took over from Daniel Naftalin as Chair of the Employment Department. I feel incredibly privileged to lead this talented group of lawyers; and look forward to building on the extraordinary success that Daniel achieved over the last 13 years.
One of the many perks of the job is editing both Executive Matters and its sister publication, Employment Matters. So I hope you will forgive me if I start this edition with a cluster of employment-related pieces! First, our Remuneration and Incentives Team explains how the right shared-ownership model can contribute to a successful brand. Turning to immigration, we recap the major reforms from last year, including around the Skilled Worker route, and set out what 2026 has in store. And Natalie Jones, partner in our newly-opened Dubai office, discusses how UAE employers can steer their workforces through times of regional instability.
We also have two online information hubs that I thoroughly recommend. With the Employment Rights Act 2025 continuing to reshape the legal landscape, our dedicated hub provides an up-to-date and comprehensive resource to help you navigate what's changing, when, and what employers should be doing to prepare. Our Employment Team has also teamed up with our Crisis Management colleagues to produce a report, with practical guidance, on the complexities and opportunities posed by the growing phenomenon of four different generations sharing the workplace.
Away from employment law, the Government's overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) regime is the focus of a new piece from our Education Team, detailing what schools and families need to know. Our Private Wealth and Tax Team revisits the UK's Inheritance Tax regime, explaining how, with the right planning, liability can be mitigated. And Corporate Partner Charlie Fletcher has written an opinion piece for The Standard, celebrating London's appeal to founders and high-growth companies.
Finally, two events worth putting in your diary:
- On 14 May 2026, we will be in conversation with Matt Haig, the international bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, Matt will be discussing his new book, The Midnight Train — a moving exploration of love, regret and the choices that define us.
- On 2 June 2026, we will be hosting another Aspiring HR Directors Workshop. This is an exclusive roundtable event for senior HR professionals, including those on the pathway to HR Director roles. The event will be a case-study based exploration of the effective management of whistleblowing and sexual harassment complaints, providing guidance on the key legal issues to look out for.