Today is Global Ethics Day, an annual event launched in 2014 by the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. It is commemorated and celebrated by more than 100 countries worldwide. Since it began 110 years ago, the Carnegie Council has undertaken some incredible work. Like its founder, Andrew Carnegie, the Foundation promotes the power… Read More Everyday ethics: how STEP’s ethical codes support decision making
STEP attended the Annual Conference on European Family Law held at the Notary College in Barcelona on 3-4 October to discuss recent developments in legislation, jurisprudence and practice on a European and international level. The main focus was on the protection of vulnerable adults and increase in cross-border issues given that more people have assets… Read More New EU developments in the cross-border protection of vulnerable adults
The UK has a long history of charitable gifts in wills – from William Shakespeare, who left the princely sum of GBP10 to the ‘poor of Stratford’ to the lesser-known Henry Greene, who died in 1679, leaving money to clothe four women in green waistcoats (to be worn at Christmas). Legacy giving became more widespread… Read More Attracting and retaining values-led clients through gifts in wills
STEP is a member of the Probate User Group, which brings together His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS), professional bodies and charities to address issues with the probate service. During a meeting on 5 September, we received the following updates: HMCTS has created a new email address for advisors who have a case that… Read More HMCTS Probate User Group update – September 2024
On 27-30 September, STEP representatives attended the International Guardianship Network (IGN) World Congress 2024, which was held at Buenos Aires University School of Law in Argentina. IGN is a non-profit, non-government organisation whose mission is to provide support, information and networking opportunities for guardians, particularly for guardianship organisations, courts and public authorities worldwide. It aims… Read More STEP’s contribution to the International Guardianship Network Congress, Argentina
The UK government published guidance relating to the ‘View an LPA’ service on 10 May 2024. This is a secure online service that allows companies and organisations to check the information contained within lasting powers of attorney (LPA) in England and Wales. Purpose of View an LPA An LPA will usually be verified by someone… Read More New guidance for ‘View an LPA’ service in England and Wales
We exist in a global, multicultural world and our membership reflects that. STEP has a committee of Council members and staff who are dedicated to driving forward equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) improvements within the organisation. We want all our people – members, volunteers and staff – to grow and thrive through their relationship with… Read More Equity, diversity and inclusion across STEP’s branches and committees
STEP Southern Central and the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) held a collaboration event at Winchester Cathedral, England, on 24 April 2024. The event, Collaboration in philanthropy – working together in the legacy sector, aimed to: The speakers were: Gill Steel TEP; Matthew Lagden, CEO of the ILM; Thomas Dumont KC, Radcliffe Chambers and Zoë… Read More Collaboration in philanthropy – working together in the legacy sector
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) has recently published three new Common Reporting Standards (CRS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website. The new FAQs were provided by the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The FAQs relate to the following subjects: Can Reporting Financial Institutions solely rely on the fact that an… Read More OECD adds new questions to CRS FAQs
On Thursday 11 April 2024, Anti-Money Laundering Europe (AME) hosted a symposium at the European Parliament in Brussels about the European Union’s (EU) new Anti-Money Laundering package. Under this package, the EU will establish a new Anti-Money Laundering Authority that will have supervisory powers over national financial institutions. The package aims to strengthen cooperation on… Read More Anti-Money Laundering Europe symposium
The STEP Blog 