This Practice Note discusses the differences between distributed and centralised legal functions, and the pros and cons of each. It also summarises hybrid models and related geographical challenges. It is a feature of commercial organisations, and even of national government policy, that authority and autonomy are devolved to local units, subsequently centralised and the cycle repeated. Driven by ideology and pragmatism—in both arenas—these changes often affect the way in which in-house legal functions are structured; on rare occasions, general counsel have the luxury of making the choice for themselves. Typically, there are two simple models: • to centralise the function in a core team serving the business from a co-ordinated centre • to decentralise the function so that lawyers are placed close to the specific business teams with which they work One is not necessarily better that the other. For each team, the right model is a mix of factors, including: • the historical development of the function • the complexity of the business • the number of lawyers and their current locations • the

Scheme operated on behalf of several employers.

Centre for Cities has published a briefing on the forthcoming English Devolution White Paper. The briefing addresses what the purpose of the English Devolution White Paper should be, risks that it must avoid and what it must change and how it should be done. Centre for Cities notes that the English Devolution White Paper is a crucial step towards economic growth and reform and has proposed that it address the question of geographic boundaries.

The Centre for Cities has published a briefing showing how potential university failures, in the current difficult financial climate for higher education, could have varying regional economic effects across the UK. Universities are increasingly central to the economic vitality of UK cities, particularly outside the Greater South East. The report highlights their role as high-skilled employers, major international exporters and catalysts for urban regeneration. In cities such as Exeter, Dundee and Leicester, universities are the largest export sector, driven by international student fees. However, proposed national immigration policies such as shortening the graduate visa and a levy on foreign student fees risk undermining these local economies, especially where universities are among the few thriving industries.

The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) provides dispute resolution services and publishes model procedures, including the CEDR Model Project Mediation Protocol and Agreement.

The Centre for Young Lives has published its State of the Nation 2026 report, tracking childhood vulnerability across England. Key findings include 3.5 million children in relative poverty, 165,450 in temporary accommodation (up by 33% since 2018) and severe school absence more than tripling since 2017–18 to nearly 180,000 children. Over 1.27 million mental health referrals were made in 2024–25, with more than 60,000 children waiting over 2 years for child and adolescent mental health services support. Child criminal exploitation cases rose by 60% between 2022 and 2025, and local authority Special Educational Needs and Disabilities debts are forecast to reach £8 billion by 2028. The report calls on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to establish a Cabinet-level Children and Families Taskforce, adopt a cross-government outcomes framework, improve data sharing between services and shift Treasury spending from crisis response to prevention. The Local Government Association responded to the report, calling for long-term sustainable funding and a cross-government approach to tackle poverty, housing and employment challenges.

A term used in (a) the EC Regulation on Insolvency 1346/2000 (the EC Regulation on Insolvency)/the Recast Regulation; and (b) UNCITRAL Model Law regarding main proceedings

TMT analysis: The High Court has held that in cases of international internet libel issued prior to 1 January 2021, the fact that a claimant's 'centre of interests' is in England and Wales does not provide an automatic right to bring a claim here for global damages and injunctive relief against a defendant domiciled in another Member State. As a prior condition, the claimant has to show that they can make out a 'good arguable case' that a tort was committed in England and Wales, with the 'centre of interests' test relevant simply to allowing a claimant to obtain global relief. Written by Phil Hartley, senior legal advisor at Schillings.

Typically it refers to the defined term under the EU Recast Regulation on Insolvency (EU) Regulation 848/2015 used to determine the Member State in which a debtor can open main proceedings. Previously under the EC Regulation on Insolvency (EC) Regulation 1346/2000, there was no definition of COMI, but the definition of COMI in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EU) 848/2015 draws a three-way distinction between companies, individuals exercising an independent business or profession, and other individuals.

Different definitions of COMI The term ‘centre of main interests (COMI)’ is often used in cross-border restructuring and, under various regimes listed below, (i) is defined slightly differently and (ii) has different effects: • the Regulation (EU) 2015/848 (OJ L141 5.6.2015 p 19), Recast Regulation on Insolvency (EU Recast Regulation on Insolvency) as applies between Member States (see Practice Note: Recast Regulation on Insolvency as between Member States—main, secondary and territorial proceedings) (and as used to apply to the UK pre-Brexit), where COMI is used to decide which courts can commence ‘main proceedings’ • the Assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/848 (Assimilated Recast Regulation on Insolvency)(which was formerly known as the Retained Recast Regulation on Insolvency) as applies to the UK post-Brexit, where COMI is used to decide which courts can commence ‘COMI proceedings’ (see further discussion of effects below) • the UNCITRAL Model Law on cross-border insolvency (see Practice Note: How courts determine COMI under the UNCITRAL Model Law (and when an Establishment is enough)), where COMI is helpful in

Different definitions of COMI The term ‘centre of main interests’ (COMI) is often used in cross-border restructuring and, under various regimes listed below, (i) is defined slightly differently and (ii) has different effects: • the Regulation (EU) 2015/848 (OJ L141 5.6.2015 p 19), Recast Regulation on Insolvency (EU Recast Regulation on Insolvency) as applies between Member States (see Practice Note: Recast Regulation on Insolvency as between Member States—main, secondary and territorial proceedings) (and as used to apply to the UK pre-Brexit), where COMI is used to decide which courts can commence ‘main proceedings’ • the Assimilated Regulation (EU) 2015/848 (Assimilated Recast Regulation on Insolvency)(which was formerly known as the Retained Recast Regulation on Insolvency) as applies to the UK post-Brexit, where COMI is used to decide which courts can commence ‘COMI proceedings’ (see further discussion of effects below) • the UNCITRAL Model Law on cross-border insolvency (see Practice Note: How courts determine COMI under the UNCITRAL Model Law (and when an Establishment is enough)), where COMI is helpful in

Centuro Global has released a report analysing the UK's skilled worker visa system, finding that only 32% of work visas since 2021 were issued to highly skilled professionals in strategic sectors. The report proposes creating a new specialist ‘growth visa’ category for specific industries such as AI and engineering, aiming to better align immigration policy with economic needs. The report suggests the current system is too broad and recommends a more differentiated approach to support key growth sectors while addressing migration targets. The report also examines the impact of April 2024 changes that raised the minimum salary threshold to £38,700 and restricted dependant rights. Furthermore, it proposes raising qualification requirements to degree-level (RQF Level 6), creating a new cross-departmental ‘growth visa joint unit’, and prioritising strategic sectors. The proposals aim to balance the Labour government's pledge to reduce migration totals, which stood at 728,000 in June 2024, while maintaining access to highly skilled workers in key industries.