Continuing protection through collaboration

Slaughter and May, along with law firm Gibson Dunn, is continuing to provide pro-bono support to the Healthcare Workers Foundation charity which has supported NHS workers during the COVID crisis.

Established as part of a multi-law firm collaboration earlier this year, pro bono support helped volunteers to quickly form the Healthcare Workers Foundation, which provides ongoing supplies and support to NHS staff throughout the pandemic.

As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, the Healthcare Workers Foundation continues to provide vital support and operations to key NHS workers. Slaughter and May are pleased to offer ongoing pro bono support to help further the charity’s impact. Expert advice has been provided on a pro bono basis including in relation to employment matters, data protection, contractual advice, partnerships and grant processes.

When establishing the charity, Gibson Dunn co-ordinated the legal support as well as advised on the government engagement strategy in connection with PPE. Linklaters provided the corporate structuring advice, with Wrigleys Solicitors advising on charity law. Slaughter and May worked across commercial arrangements and IP and data privacy.

Gibson Dunn associate Ryan Whelan helped assemble the initial legal team. “Given the volume of work and the variety of issues raised, it seemed to me that the client would benefit from a number of top firms working together. We assembled a top team within 48 hours and the multi-firm approach worked exceptionally well.”

In recognition of the nearly 700 healthcare workers who have lost their lives to COVID-19 this year, the Healthcare Workers Foundation has launched a Christmas appeal to support the children of bereaved families and other support services.

Slaughter and May associate Valerie Kemp said, “Over the course of the year we have been able to use our legal skills to support the frontline NHS workers who are keeping us all safe at this time. Our work over the past months is a demonstration of what it is possible to achieve by working collaboratively. We’re delighted to continue to support the Healthcare Workers Foundation as they launch their Christmas campaign.”

For more details of the charity’s campaign or to donate, please visit their website.