The NPPF and other key developments in the planning and development sector

Join host Richard Kayser from Irwin Mitchell’s medical negligence team as he speaks with Jane Plumb, founder and CEO of Group B Strep Support, and Alex Highfield, a lawyer and expectant mother, to discuss the realities of Group B Strep in pregnancy.This episode covers what GBS is, the risks to newborns, prevention strategies, personal experiences, and the vital support available to families.Whether you’re an expectant parent, healthcare professional, or simply want to learn more, this conversation offers practical advice and expert insights to help keep babies safe.

Speaking out about bullying, particularly when you work for a large organisation like the Armed Forces, can be very frightening. And, if following the correct process doesn’t solve the problem, it can be hard to know where to turn. Our client, Chris, spoke to our military solicitor and podcast host Carol Purang to share his lived experience of bullying and harassment in the military. They’re joined by Chris’s therapist, Jo Rogers from JTR Hypnotherapy and Dr Vicky Aldridge from our charity partner, Combat Stress.Together they discussed:The impact that bullying and harassment has on those who experience it.The importance of keeping a record of your experience if you are being bullied or harassed.Where you can access support, particularly if it feels like there’s no one you can turn to within the organisation you work for.How society can play a part in reducing the shame and stigma felt by those being bullied.If you’ve been impacted by bullying and harassment in the military, or in your place of work, our expert solicitors are here to support you every step of the way. Further support and resources are available from our charity partner, Combat Stress.

Our host, Lewis Quarmby speaks to Royal Air Force veteran, Carl Austin-Behan, about his lived experience of the ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces. They were joined by Peter Gibson, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, and Sarah Jones from our employee network IM Equal. On 12 December 2024, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme made recognition payments available to those who served in the Armed Forces between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 and were affected by the ban. The deadline for applications is 12 December 2026. If you don’t apply in time you’ll lose your right to a payment under the scheme. Together our guests discussed:The impact of the LGBT ban and the support that’s available to those who were affected by it.Whether the Financial Recognition Scheme goes far enough.The potential pitfalls of making an application under the scheme and the importance of seeking legal advice.Where to get support to make an application, including support for elderly claimants and those who lack capacity.Drawing on their personal experiences, they shared touching stories and lots of useful information to help those seeking to apply for a recognition payment. The discussion contains references to themes that some individuals may find distressing. If you were impacted by the ban, our expert Military team is here to help you navigate the Financial Recognition Scheme. Further support and resources are available from the LGBT+ Veterans charity, Fighting With Pride.

Finding love is an exciting journey – but one that often comes with questions and complexities. You might be shifting your focus from career to searching for the one. You might be just looking for companionship. Or you might be divorced or widowed and looking to take that leap of faith and find love again.Regardless of your circumstances, it's critical to ensure your personal and financial safety as you get to know your new spouse. Our latest podcast brings together experts from the legal and dating industries to support you every step of the way. Join Family Law partner and host Zahra Pabani, as she sits down with special guest Rachel MacLynn of exclusive matchmaking agency MacLynn International and Irwin Mitchell colleagues Phillip Rhodes and Yousafa Hazara.

A lack of resources for local planning authorities, supply chain issues, and a rise in land values has crippled the development and planning sector.This has resulted in the lowest level of planning applications and completions in a decade.But with the government determined to get Britain building again – including its pledge to chase down the 1.5 million shortfall in new homes – it’s also an exciting time for the sector.   Join legal experts Claire Petricca-Riding, Nicola Gooch and Pamela Chesterman as they look back over developments from the last 12 months and outline key priorities for 2025.

In this second episode of our new podcast series, our experts are back on the couch with advice on how to embrace life after divorce. This time, they’re tackling one of the greatest concerns for anyone going through a separation: finances.It’s a subject that raises so many questions: what if your former partner isn’t being truthful about their finances? How do you make sure children are secure? But there’s a number of options to help you find an arrangement that works for your family, and appreciate the opportunities that come with your new financial freedom. Host Zahra Pabani is joined by family law partner Fran Hipperson; Irwin Mitchell’s Head of Family Law, Clare Wiseman; and Head of Chambers at 29 Bedford Row, Nicholas Allen KC. They discuss:The options available to help you reach a settlementWhat to do if further issues arise once an agreement has been reachedThe benefits of using a lawyer to settle your finances, and how they can support you through the processWhat the court process looks like, and why people may choose to use this route.

One of the toughest realisations that comes with a divorce is that you’re not going to be able to see your children every day. New routines can be challenging, but co-operation and communication can make the adjustment much easier for your family, creating a long-term foundation of trust and security.Host Zahra Pabani is joined by family law partner and mediator Phillip Rhodes; former leading BBC journalist and now family mediator Joanna Gosling; and finally, coach and founder of The Co-Parent Way Marcie Shaoul. They discuss: The key elements of a successful co-parenting plan How to navigate differences in parenting styleEnsuring children feel loved and secure during a divorceThe support available to help parents reach an agreement.

Paralympic-gold-medallist, Hannah Cockroft, hosts the first video edition of the Irwin Mitchell podcast. She’s joined by gold-medal-sprinter, James Ellington, and aspiring para-athletes, our clients, Ben Lukowski and Richard Davies. The athletes share their passion for sport and the role it’s played in their lives. Wanting to encourage listeners at the beginning of their own sporting journeys, and those facing similar challenges, they discuss:Their journeys from aspiring to professional athletes and the milestones they’ve achieved along the way.The different places they’ve found support and what it means to them. The mental and physical benefits of sport, particularly for those with disabilities. Their ambitions as they look forward to the next steps in their careers. Plus, find out what advice each athlete would give to someone exploring the opportunities in sport for the first time.

Have you got a plan in place for your pension? Are you confident it will look after you and your family once you finish working?  In this podcast, Zahra Pabani is joined by partners Rose Macfarlane and Phillip Rhodes, and Edward Tomlinson, Head of Financial Planning at Irwin Mitchell. They explain the different options available for your pension and share their best tips for maximising your cash for the future.They discuss:How to plan realistically while the economy remains uncertainHow to deal with pensions in the event of a divorceWhy it’s important to consider your pension as part of your estate planningThe new government’s approach to pensions, and how you can respond to itWhy legal advice is so important when it comes to planning for your pension.

Finding the best education setting to meet your child’s needs can make a big difference to their future outcomes. But what happens when your child has special educational needs, and you don’t agree with the local authority about where they should go to school? Our public law and human rights specialist, Lauren Haines, is joined by our client Craig Dunn in our latest podcast. Craig is a single parent and full-time carer to his 18-year-old daughter Ruby, who has complex learning needs and relies on support to keep her safe and assist with her personal care. Craig shares his lived experience of Ruby’s transition into a residential education setting for the first time, as they discuss:The need for legal support and how we helped him secure the right provision for Ruby.Ruby’s transition to post-19 residential provision.Tips and advice for others in a similar position, and/or starting their own journey. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM. Further information and resources are available on our website.