regulatory & public law

Providing detailed advice to both public and private sector clients, we are experts in data protection and other complex regulatory issues.

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Unique blend of expertise

Our team, led by expert solicitors, includes former police officers, local government officers and data protection experts.

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Preventative, proportionate and pragmatic

We protect the reputation of our clients with our meticulous and discreet approach.

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Authoritative and independent

Our advice, reviews and investigative reports are proportionate, independent, and withstand scrutiny.

Our regulatory and public law solicitors

We are a nationally recognised authority on public and regulatory law trusted by clients across England and Wales. We conduct diligent and independent investigative work for local government and other public bodies as well as the private sector.

Our team of regulatory solicitors are team is called on by the public sector, the length, and breadth of the country, for our in-depth knowledge of regulatory and public law. We work closely with local authorities across the UK and the combined knowledge and expertise of our team means that we provide clients with invaluable insight and advice.

In the private sector, we work for large businesses, trade associations, schools and multi-academy trusts, for whom we provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of public and regulatory law, governance, and data protection.

See our experts

Examples of work we have undertaken

Exercising singular determination, and judicious application of public law and ethics, we get to the heart of the matter in suspected cases of misuse of public funds, misconduct in public office, bullying, harassment and human rights issues amongst others.

Working alongside our clients, our regulatory solicitors secure solutions to current issues and aim to pre-empt any future problems that may arise, investigating serious, politically sensitive and complex issues.

  1. Investigations

    We have carried out well over 350 investigations of allegations of misconduct of members and senior officers of public bodies from the Mayor of London to parish councillors.

    Our work with the Security Industry Authority saw us working alongside our strategic and high-level employment solicitors in a comprehensive investigation to uncover the cause of a complex HR issue.

    The team also work hand-in-hand with public and regulatory bodies on the assessment, scoping, commissioning and receipt of investigation reports, recently advising Cheshire East Council on the handling of complaints from the viral video of Handforth Parish Council and Jacqui Weaver.

  2. Governance and ethics

    Jonathan Goolden was one of the core drafters of the Local Government Association’s new model code of conduct and guidance as well as the modular constitution for English councils.

    He has been the National Legal Adviser to the Society of Local Council Clerks, a local authority independent person, an independent chair of a standards committee and advises the Association of Drainage Authorities on governance and regulatory issues.

  3. Corporate compliance

    Our data protection experts work closely with small, medium and large businesses to ensure that their data processes are compliant.

    Working with one of the UK and Ireland’s largest providers of temperature-controlled storage, we have created privacy notices, data policies and ensured compliance with Article 30 of GDPR. We offer our clients a single point of call for all their data law solutions.

  4. Modern slavery

    Our regulatory solicitors have drafted an array of modern slavery and human trafficking guidance for local and national corporate clients.

    Working with a CO2 specialist based in the UK and Ireland, we drafted their modern slavery and human trafficking statement, ensuring that they are compliant with Section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act.

    The team also advised on organisational structure and practical steps to be taken to safeguard individuals from modern slavery.

  5. Anti-bribery

    We work closely with a wide variety of clients to create anti-bribery and corruption policies. Our work helps ensure that our partners are working in good faith and providing their employees and clients with options that are in keeping with best practice.

Why choose Wilkin Chapman?

We are highlighted for our ‘impressive track record’ in this area of work by the Legal 500, a leading independent guide to UK law firms, and we are well known for our involvement in a number of nationally significant cases.

Our reputation is such that we have been sought by leading political organisations to help shape core policies and procedures. In addition to the large body of public, regulatory and local government work, our department head, Jonathan Goolden, was an advisor to the Committee on Standards in Public Life for its report on ethical standards in local government. He has a keen interest in the seafood and renewable sectors and is a board member of Humber Marine and Renewables as well as the Honorary Consul for Iceland in Grimsby. He is also the Clerk to the Enrolled Freemen of Grimsby who received their first Royal Charter from King John in 1201.

The team also includes individuals who have years of experience liaising with the Legal Ombudsman and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We also have experience ensuring GDPR compliance for local, national, and international marketing campaigns.

Our regulatory solicitor's team is bolstered by a series of consultants, each with their own unique expertise. Comprised of former police officers, monitoring officers and local government officials, the group is packed with many years of relevant experience.

What we can do for you

Public sector

  • Governance and constitutions

  • Investigations and prosecutions

  • Scrutiny and review

  • Public enquiries

  • Standards and conduct advice

Private sector

  • Corporate internal investigations

  • Standards and conduct advice

Data protection

  • Freedom of information

  • Subject access requests

  • UK GDPR advice and policy drafting

Potential breaches of ECHR and The Equality Act 2010

Quick contact form

Submit an enquiry and one of our team of experts will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

Or call the regulatory & public law team on 01472 265998

Partner Jonathan Goolden 01472 265998 Grimsby
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