Health and Social Care
The team at Harold & McCormack Law specialises in providing legal services to health and social care providers, ranging from regulatory compliance to responding to regulatory issues that arise, including interventions and enforcement actions brought by regulatory authorities.
Our team is experienced in supporting providers through regulatory CQC inspection preparation, addressing factual accuracy challenges, reviewing ratings, and handling complaints. We regularly challenge reports that do not fairly reflect service quality. We advise on safeguarding investigations, family complaints, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
We can support with…
Corporate Internal Investigations
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At Harold & McCormack Law, we provide discreet, strategic legal support to companies conducting internal investigations. Whether you are responding to whistleblower allegations, regulatory scrutiny, or suspected misconduct, we help you manage legal risk, preserve integrity and protect your organisation’s reputation.
Why conduct an internal investigation
Internal investigations are essential when concerns arise about:
- Fraud, Bribery, or Corruption
- Employee Misconduct or Harassment
- Regulatory Non-Compliance
- Whistleblower Allegations
- Breach of Internal Policies
- Financial Irregularities
- Cybersecurity or Data Breaches
Handled poorly, these issues can escalate into legal action, regulatory penalties or serious reputational harm. Early legal involvement ensures investigations are forensic, evidence-based, impartial, and transparent.
Who we advise
- Company boards of directors
- In-house legal and compliance teams
- HR and risk management departments
A discreet, legally sound approach
Investigations often involve sensitive personnel issues, high-level decision-making, or privileged information. Our solicitors ensure:
- Legal privilege is preserved as appropriate
- Confidentiality is strictly maintained
- Regulatory obligations are met
- Next steps are clearly advised
Our Internal Investigation Services
We support companies across all sectors with:
- Independent Investigation Planning and Oversight
- Interviewing Employees and Witnesses
- Evidence Review and Digital Forensics
- Reporting Findings to Boards or Regulators
- Whistleblower Response and Protection
- Regulatory Disclosure Advice (e.g. FCA, SFO, ICO)
Whether you are a multinational or a growing SME, we tailor our approach to your risk profile, reporting structures and objectives.
Why choose Harold & McCormack Law
- Experienced in complex investigations – Including multi-agency cases
- Regulatory expertise – Skilled in handling SFO, FCA, ICO, and HMRC concerns
- Protection of your brand and culture – We resolve issues while minimising disruption
- Proactive risk management – We don’t just uncover problems; we help prevent recurrence
Corporate Manslaughter
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At Harold & McCormack Law, we provide robust legal representation for companies under investigation following a fatality at work. A corporate manslaughter case is amongst the most serious allegations a business can face, with serious legal, financial and reputational risks.
If your organisation is under investigation following a workplace fatality, our experienced solicitors will act fast to protect your legal position and guide you through the process.
What is Corporate Manslaughter
Under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, a company or organisation can be found guilty if a person’s death results from a gross breach of a duty of care due to the way activities were managed or organised.
Investigations are typically triggered by:
- Fatal accidents in the workplace
- Construction site or industrial accidents
- Failings in health and safety policies
- Deaths in custody or care environments
- Transport or logistics-related fatalities
Prosecutions are usually brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following investigations by the police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Why choose Harold & McCormack Law
- Specialist Business Defence Lawyers – Decades of experience in corporate crime and regulatory prosecution work
- Rapid Crisis Response – We act immediately to protect your interests and regain control
- Prevention-Focused – We advise on remedial steps that may mitigate liability or sentence
Act now – early legal advice is critical
A Corporate Manslaughter case can devastate an organisation. Acting early, securing the right representation and expert handling of the investigation are essential to reducing exposure and securing the best possible outcome.
Who may be at risk
While the charge is against the organisation itself, senior leaders can still face:
- Individual prosecution for gross negligence manslaughter or related health and safety offences
- Director disqualification
- Regulatory enforcement
- Reputational damage and financial penalties
Our role is to protect both the company and its key people from the outset.
Data Protection
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In an era where personal data is a highly valuable asset and potential liability, data protection law is central to how individuals and businesses operate. Whether an individual is concerned about misuse of personal data, an SME handling sensitive customer information, or a corporate navigating a complex compliance regime, understanding the legal obligations involved is essential.
At Harold and McCormack Law, our privacy and data protection lawyers provide clear, strategic legal advice to clients across a wide range of sectors. We assist with data breaches, subject access requests, and regulatory investigations.
Key legislation we advise on
Our data protection specialists are well-versed in the following areas:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which governs the lawful processing of personal data, individual rights, privacy notices, consent requirements and international data transfers.
- The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) supplements the UK GDPR with specific national provisions, including those relevant to criminal justice, journalism, research, and employment. We provide legal advice to individuals and organisations on compliance with these provisions.
- The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) sets out the public’s right to access information held by public authorities. We advise on making and responding to FOIA requests and on applying exemptions.
- The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) provide public access to environmental information held by authorities and other relevant bodies. We assist requesters to navigating the EIR.
Comprehensive legal services
We provide tailored advice on GDPR compliance, including lawful data processing practices, appropriate management of data sharing and retention.
We regularly assist clients in handling complex Subject Access Requests (SARs), ensuring responses meet legal standards and protect sensitive interests. In the event of a data breach or regulatory inquiry, we act swiftly to manage risk and regulatory exposure.
Why choose Harold and McCormack Law?
Our team provides practical legal support while ensuring data rights are respected and upheld. Whether responding to a regulator, managing internal processes or dealing with a live incident, our expertise ensures our clients are supported at every stage.
Environmental Protection
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Environmental enforcement in the UK has become increasingly rigorous, with companies and individuals under greater scrutiny from regulatory bodies including the Environment Agency, local authorities, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Natural Resources Wales. Alleged breaches of environmental law can result in significant penalties, criminal prosecution, and reputational damage.
At Harold and McCormack Law, we advise companies, directors, and employees facing investigation or prosecution for environmental offences. Our experience covers a full spectrum of environmental regulations, with a particular focus on pollution, waste disposal, water contamination, and land management.
Responding to enforcement action
When enforcement agencies launch an investigation, prompt legal advice is critical. Investigations may begin with site inspections, interviews or requests for documentation. We help clients respond effectively to these inquiries, protecting their legal position and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations.
Whether facing a civil sanction, criminal prosecution, or enforcement notice, we provide legal support throughout the regulatory process. We advise on internal investigations, cooperate with regulators when appropriate, and defend clients robustly in the event of enforcement action.
Key areas of expertise
Our work includes defending allegations of unlawful discharges to land or water, breaches of waste handling and storage regulations, pollution from industrial or agricultural activity, as well as failures to comply with environmental permits or planning conditions.
We support clients with responses to enforcement notices, regulatory interviews, court proceedings, and appeals, always ensuring their rights are protected while working to achieve the most favourable possible outcome.
Protecting operations and reputation
Environmental allegations can quickly escalate and attract negative publicity. We work discreetly and strategically to minimise commercial risk, manage stakeholder concerns, and protect business continuity. Our team understands the operational pressures our clients face and works closely with environmental consultants, engineers, and industry experts to provide comprehensive defence strategies.
Fire Safety
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Legal Support Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order) places clear legal responsibilities on duty holders, including employers, building owners, landlords and agents, to ensure management of fire safety risks.
At Harold & McCormack Law, we advise individuals and organisations who are subject to investigation, enforcement action, or prosecution under the Fire Safety legislation. Whether in relation to compliance with fire risk assessment obligations, fire precautions or suspected breaches following an incident, we provide experienced and strategic legal defence.
Who is a Duty holder?
Under the Fire Safety Order, responsibility for compliance lies with the “responsible person.” This includes any party that has control over the premises. The responsible person is expected to take all reasonable steps to reduce fire risks, ensure suitable fire precautions are in place, and maintain fire safety measures on an ongoing basis.
Health and Safety
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Understanding and complying with health and safety legislation can be challenging and stressful. The sheer volume of complex regulations organisations and individuals must follow means that inadvertent breaches are not uncommon. We know regulatory investigations and enforcement action can be incredibly disruptive to business operations and reputations. Read more >
Inquests and Public Enquiries
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We offer the following legal services to assist our clients through various types of inquests and public inquiries:
- Coroner’s Inquest
- Workplace Fatalities
- Road Traffic Accidents
- Healthcare Inquiries
- Police Conduct Inquiries
- Public Health Inquiries
- Public Inquiries
Ofsted Inspections
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If you are facing an Ofsted investigation, enforcement notice, or adverse inspection outcome, the consequences can be serious, both professionally and operationally. At Harold & McCormack Law, we provide clear, strategic legal support to help you navigate complex Ofsted procedures and protect what matters most: your registration, your reputation, and your ability to continue operating.
Whether you lead a school, nursery, early years or social care provision, our team offers responsive and experienced legal representation throughout every stage of the Ofsted process.
Why Legal Support Matters in Ofsted Investigations
Ofsted has wide-ranging powers to inspect, investigate, and enforce action against education and childcare providers. Investigations may be triggered by complaints, safeguarding concerns, or inspection failures, and the consequences can include:
- Negative ratings that impact funding, reputation, and enrolment
- Enforcement notices such as suspensions or cancellations of registration
- PACE interviews that could result in prosecution or alternative sanctions
- Legal appeals before the Care Standards Tribunal or through judicial review
Taking early legal advice ensures that you fully understand your rights, meet deadlines and take a proactive, informed approach to resolving the situation.
How We Help: Our Legal Services
Challenging Ofsted Reports and Ratings
Unhappy with the outcome of an inspection? If your report contains factual errors or fails to reflect your setting accurately, we can help you submit a factual accuracy challenge or pursue a formal complaint through Ofsted’s internal processes to make sure your voice is heard and your record is fair.
Responding to Enforcement Notices
If you have received a Notice of Intention to Cancel Registration, Restriction Notice, or Suspension of Registration, it is vital to act quickly. We provide clear, confident guidance to help you:
- Understand the legal and operational implications
- Provide strategic advice to achieve the best possible outcome
- Gather evidence and submit a timely and persuasive response
- Explore grounds for appeal or stay of enforcement proceedings
Appeals and Tribunal Representation
If you are looking to appeal an enforcement decision, our team represents clients before the First-tier Tribunal (Care Standards Chamber) and in judicial review proceedings where necessary. We build strong legal arguments and handle all aspects of case preparation, evidence gathering and advocacy.
Representation at PACE Interviews
If Ofsted has invited you to a Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) interview, you will be aware that you are under investigation and suspected of committing regulatory offences. This is a formal legal process, and you are entitled to representation. We ensure your rights are protected and advise you on how to respond effectively while minimising legal exposure.
Proactive Regulatory Compliance
We also work with clients outside of formal investigations, advising on best practice in safeguarding, staff conduct, policies, and governance. Our goal is to help you avoid inspection issues and demonstrate compliance before problems arise.
Professional Discipline
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Our experience in regulatory law enables us to provide a comprehensive service, including advice following a Notification of a Complaint, the subsequent response, and representation during formal interviews, as well as related disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings. Read more >
Reputation & Crisis Management
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Protecting Reputations in a rapidly changing media landscape
In today’s digital age, where news spreads instantly and reputational damage can be long-lasting, effective legal intervention is crucial. At Harold and McCormack Law, we advise individuals and organisations who face reputational threats, whether due to media coverage, online allegations, criminal or regulatory investigations, or other forms of public scrutiny. Read more >
Contact our team
Our team provides first-class advice and representation to individuals and organisations, leveraging its in-depth knowledge of the regulatory regime and the health and social care sectors. Whether operating a care home, a domiciliary care agency, or a supported living service, our team understands the complex relationship between local authorities and healthcare commissioners, providers, and social care regulation.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our team.