Guidance Notes and Best Practice Guides

IS: All the bodies that authorise & regulate insolvency practitioners have agreed a new ethical code for their practitioners, which will come into force in January 2009. The 'Insolvency Ethical Code' (the Code) published by The Insolvency Service, has been designed to assist insolvency practitioners and their staff to undertake their work to high professional and ethical standards.
 
Based on the five fundamental principles of: integrity, objectivity, professional competence & due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour the Code provides a framework which applies to all aspects of an insolvency practitioner's professional work relating to, or that may lead to, an insolvency appointment.
 
The Code also provides specific guidance regarding pre-packaged administrations; the means of obtaining work; the use of specialist agents; and referral fees.  Most insolvency practitioners are qualified accountants and the Code is aligned to a model Ethical Code adopted by the International Federation of Accountants.
Press release ~ The Insolvency Service ~ The Insolvency Ethical Code ~ Official Receiver ~ Joint Insolvency Committee ~ The Insolvency Practitioners Association
 
NICE: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance on the use of erlotinib for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  The guidance recommends erlotinib as an alternative to docetaxel for people who have already tried one chemotherapy regimen, but it has not worked.
 
Erlotinib should be used only when it is provided by the manufacturer on the basis that the overall treatment costs of the drug are the same as those of docetaxel.  Treatment costs include administration, treating side effects and monitoring.
Press release ~ Erlotinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
 
NICE: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of adults at risk of and with metastatic spinal cord compression.

Metastatic spinal cord compression is a rare complication of cancer.  People who have cancer are at risk of it spreading (metastasising) to other parts of their body including the liver, lungs or bones.  Spinal metastases can be painful and, if not treated, can lead to metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) which, if it isn’t treated quickly, can lead to serious disability, including permanent paralysis and early death.
Press release ~ Metastatic spinal cord compression: diagnosis and management of adults at risk of and with metastatic spinal cord compression ~ NICE’s National Collaborating Centre for Cancer ~ NHS Cancer Plan (September 2000) ~ Manual of Cancer Standards (April 2001) ~ DH - Cancer
 
CompC: The Competition Commission has published new guidelines which explain its approach to remedies, such as divestiture, prohibition and behavioural measures, where it decides that mergers are likely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition (SLC).
 
The guidelines provide a single source of guidance on merger remedies and emphasize measures that are effective and yet minimize burdens on customers, suppliers & merger parties.  The new guidelines also cover areas such as intellectual property remedies and behavioural remedies which were not covered in detail in existing guidance.
Press release ~ Merger Remedies: Competition Commission Guidelines ~ Responses to previous consultation
 
OFT:  The OFT has published a new quick guide for businesses on how to comply with competition and consumer laws. The updated, comprehensive guide is aimed particularly at smaller businesses, but is relevant to firms of all sizes.  It includes advice on what constitutes illegal cartel activity, what rules apply when selling at a distance and how to ensure contracts are not unfair.  It also highlights recent changes to the law.
Press release ~ A quick guide to competition and consumer protection laws that affect your business
 
Cabinet Office: Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, has published a practical handbookto help public servants open up the consultation process, to reach third sector workers on the ground and to use their experience to influence policy outcomes.
 
The handbook accompanies new research by Involve on effective & innovative ways of consulting with the third sector.  The research illustrates how third sector organisations can influence the debate about local needs and can provide unique perspectives and insights as to how those needs are addressed.
Press release ~ Better Together: Improving consultation with the third sector ~ Involve ~ Office of the Third Sector ~ Children England ~ People and participation.net
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