Professor Hugh McFaul, head of The Open University Law School, discusses both the Law and Order in his farewell monthly column.
One of our laudable Law final year students, Rebekah Zammett, shared her personal caring responsibilities during evidence gathering for the Employment Rights Bill which comes into effect this spring.
She enjoyed an evening at 10 Downing Street in January (pictured) to mark its enactment, having contributed – specifically the flexible working elements – via Timewise. This not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to changing the world of work, focusing on fairer, healthier and flexible working.
One of the most substantial reforms to UK employment rights in over a decade, the new Act is expected to impact more than 15 million working people. For business leaders, it means preparing for a reshaping of dismissal risk and sickness absence among other things in 2026 and beyond, although most measures will require secondary legislation before coming into force. The Act applies to England, Scotland and Wales (not Northern Ireland).
Resilient Rebekah said: “This new law will likely be the difference between employment and unemployment for many parent carers of disabled children, like me.”
Huge congratulations to Rebekah who is hoping to graduate this summer with a first-class law degree.
*The future of policing has hit the headlines recently, with the UK Government’s announcement of major reforms in England and Wales. The many changes include a new National Police Service and plans for every police officer to hold a licence to be able to continue working.
Our own Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) creates and uses knowledge, through both research and education, to improve policing for the public good. The Centre contributes to the work of its partner police forces as they adapt to a changing landscape, with a greater emphasis on evidence-based practice.
It is chaired by Hertfordshire’s Assistant Chief Constable, Dr Nick Caveney, who highlighted the importance of shared learning and the powerful partnership between policing and academia at our recent engagement day. The majority of member forces were represented as more than 70 senior leaders, analysts, researchers and evidence-based policing champions were on campus for a dynamic day of collaboration and forward thinking.
*Another fairly new addition to the Law School is our Centre for Protecting Women Online (CPWO) which recently published its first annual report, marking an important milestone in its work to address online violence against women and girls.
The report highlights the Centre’s policy engagement and collaborations with policing, government, civil society and industry, as well as its contributions to international forums including the United Nations and the Commission on the Status of Women.
Its research has shaped consultations, parliamentary inquiries and professional guidance, alongside public-facing initiatives such as webinars, podcasts and digital resources.
*Our third research centre celebrates its 10th anniversary this year – the Open Justice Centre empowers law students to deliver the social justice mission of the OU.
