Partner Rachael Gregory has provided comment in the IBA Global Insight on the ethical challenges that in-house lawyers face as both legal and business advisers to their employers, detailing why it is vital the ethics frameworks are clear and accessible.

Rachael’s comments were published in IBA Global Insight, 28 November 2025.

Discussing why such frameworks are needed, Rachael noted: “In house counsel are subject to fundamental ethical principles by virtue of their professional obligations. Ethics frameworks can be a useful way of setting a structured system of ethics principles which apply consistently across an organisation, beyond the legal team – such frameworks can provide structured guidance for making moral decisions and assist individuals and organisations navigate dilemmas consistently and objectively.”

Rachael further explained how ethics can be effectively regulated, commenting: “Ethics can be effectively regulated through a combination of a clear and accessible ethical framework, strong leadership that leads by example, mandatory training, and robust reporting and auditing systems and whistleblowing policies. Culture is also vital, though – a comprehensive ethical framework relies on fostering an internal culture that prioritises integrity, accountability, and transparency through policies, regular assessments, and consequences for misconduct.”

Discussing frameworks in light of the recent Post Office Horizon scandal, Rachael said: “Theoretically an effective ethical framework may have assisted in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal by putting in place a system for accountability, transparency and a proper response to the issues raised. As prosecutor, the Post Office was under duties to deal with cases justly, to act independently and impartially and to exercise the highest standards of integrity and care. Given their complete failure to abide by these duties, it is difficult to envisage an ethical framework making any difference.”