Education

• Governance Advice
• Campus & Estate Management
• Telecommunications Advice
• Development of New Campus Facilities
• Procurement
• Employment
• Dispute Resolution

With education changing so rapidly in the UK there is an increasing need for fast, effective advice so that you can get on with what you do best. Use the links above to navigate this page and see how George Davies can help your establishment to prepare for the future, avoid pitfalls and resolve issues. 

Governance Advice

If you have a management role in education, particularly in the FE sector, then you will be all too aware of the constant changes and developments affecting good governance and your responsibilities.

We advise our FE clients on all areas of corporate governance and have also had recent experience of working with our clients on joint venture arrangements with private sector bodies and on the use of LSC funding in such ventures.

And, if you are considering mergers or other developments with significant legal implications, George Davies will help you to anticipate any issues and create effective change that adds value and ensures good governance.

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Campus & Estate Management

Our inside knowledge of the workings of the further education sector means that we can offer specific advice on the law as it affects FE Colleges, particularly key aspects of estate management such as:

 - Acquisitions and disposals
 - Lease renewals
 - Development of service level agreements and resolution of service charge disputes.
 

You need to demonstrate your stewardship of resources as well as making the most of the opportunities for growth and diversification. We can offer you clear and specific legal advice on the best options available in your situation.

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Telecommunications Advice

Many school and college campuses have telecommunications masts on site and we have worked with several institutions on different approaches to these:

 - Helping to negotiate the removal of such masts
 - Renewing existing leases
 - Drafting new telecommunications agreements to incorporate future flexibility.
 - In the past, colleges were keen to allow the erection of this apparatus as it helped to generate much needed cash flow. However, when they can hold up multi-million pound developments, the income generated can seem paltry when compared to the costs encountered in their removal.

Whatever your current situation and anticipated requirements, our team will bring its practical expertise to the situation and enable you to be successful in your future negotiations.

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Development of New Campus Facilities

If you are developing new FE College facilities, we have the experience to support your plans. We combine experience of commercial property development and construction with a detailed knowledge of the issues affecting your sector, offering you the practical advice that you need, when you need it.

Our team has worked on significant recent projects including the Bolton FE College relocation and Manchester College’s award-winning building scheme that incorporated the Harpurhey Bath site.

We will give you clear guidance on issues arising from your plans and we are already familiar with the implications of:

 - OJEU regulations and processes
 - The OGC framework
 - Learning and Skills Council funding timetables

We can help you to meet these strict external requirements as well as your own targets and objectives - we will even deal with site acquisitions, the negotiation of building contracts and other aspects of property agreements.

Whatever stage you are at in developing your campus, we offer you clear advice on your next steps and the best routes to growth.

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Procurement

Our client list and past projects mean that we have excellent insights into the workings of the LSC. You and your management team can benefit from this experience including clear advice on procurement processes, funding timetables and current priorities and the confidence of working with an experienced legal organisation.

We also offer appropriate direction on OJEU matters and our team understands the urgency associated with these tender and bid situations.

In the early stages of a procurement process, please get in touch with one of our team so that we can help you to negotiate the maze and maximise your chances of success.

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Employment

Evolving employment law combined with new educational initiatives creates an incredibly complex and fluid human resource framework for schools, colleges and other institutions.

Our specialist team at George Davies understands these changes and their implications for your managers and employees at all levels. We can support your in-house HR team with practical advice and timely support:

 - Enabling your team to focus on the specific needs of your learning environment
 - Helping your HR professionals to add value to your people through effective processes and systems
 - Supporting you in meeting (and exceeding) Government standards and reporting requirements.

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Dispute Resolution

The demands on staff and other employees in the Education sector put particular pressures on working relationships. Tight timetables for funding, project management and procurement can also create disputes and problems.

When things go wrong, we will help you to resolve issues sensitively, fairly and as quickly as possible.

Our practical approach to dispute resolution includes:

 - Chairing round table meetings on site or in our offices 
 - Adjudication, mediation and arbitration with all parties
 - Expert determination and reporting
 - When necessary, litigation.

We understand the political and time-restricted aspects of your situation and will advise on specific approaches that not only fit your needs, but also achieve your aims. 

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