Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
206 articles · All articles
Written by John Barwell
The structural reform campaigners proposed has not happened: the Office of the Whistleblower Bill fell when the 2024–26 session ended, and no whistleblowing bill is before the current Parliament. But the law has not stood still — sexual harassment is now an express qualifying disclosure, the prescribed-persons list has been expanded twice, and tribunal time limits are about to double. An evidence-led state of play, measured against what reformers asked for.
Written by John Barwell
Most of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 is now the law in force. This plain-English guide sets out what has actually changed for subject access requests, data-protection complaints and the regulator — and what has not.
Written by John Barwell
The EAT overturned the strike-out of race discrimination complaints in Waithaka v Barclays. The judgment explains why different managers, incidents and forms of treatment may still form part of one continuing state of affairs for Equality Act time-limit purposes.
Written by John Barwell
A complaint can contain a detailed chronology and extensive evidence while leaving the central questions undefined. An issue map separates the issues, positions, evidence, findings and outcomes that require a decision.
Written by John Barwell
Templates can improve clarity and consistency. The accountability problem begins when standard wording replaces engagement with the individual complaint, evidence and circumstances.
Written by John Barwell
A final response may close a file, but that does not always mean the complaint has been answered. Administrative closure belongs to the process. Substantive resolution belongs to the issue.
Written by John Barwell
A decision does not need to discuss every document. But where central evidence disappears from the reasoning, the person affected may be unable to understand how the issue, evidence, finding and outcome connect.
Written by John Barwell
A response can be complete in form and incomplete in substance. The accountability problem lies in the gap between the issue raised and the question answered.
Written by John Barwell
Outcome is not explanation. Reasons matter because they make decisions intelligible, accountable and capable of proper scrutiny.
Written by John Barwell
Sending is communication. Service is a legal act. This Legal Lens article explains why emailing a civil claim form can fail if the rules on service, solicitor authority, email consent, nominated addresses, sealed documents and timing are not followed.
