R3 policy and public affairs update: March 2026

07 April 2026

During March, the Policy and Public Affairs team maintained a high level of activity, engaging across R3’s policy groups, key government consultations and a range of external events.

Consultations

Make Work Pay: Threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations: government is seeking views on the level and methods by which the new organisation-wide threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations might be set. The proposals will extend to and apply in England and Wales, and Scotland. They will not extend to or apply in Northern Ireland, where employment law is devolved. Completion of this survey should take no more than 15 minutes:

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZRKQCPC

Closing date: Friday 24th April

Corporate Civil Enforcement Reforms:Corporate Civil Enforcement Reforms: The Insolvency Service is seeking views on proposals to reform and modernise the corporate civil enforcement regime. They have set out a range of options, including structural reforms, strengthened information-gathering powers and procedural changes, aimed at improving how enforcement action is taken. You can read the full consultation document here.

Specific reforms include:

• A new 'director restrictions' regime for minor misconduct.
• Shifting the power to disqualify directors from the courts to the Secretary of State (via the Insolvency Service).
• Disqualifying directors for one off tax breaches of HMRC security deposit requirements.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T7TMT2Y

Closing date: Friday 29 May

R3 Committees and stakeholder events

Work progressed through the Restructuring Plan subgroup, where members continued to examine the operation of restructuring plans in practice, including issues around fairness, creditor engagement and the development of usable guidance for the wider profession. Discussions focused on how restructuring plans are being applied in live cases and how R3 can best support the profession with educational resources and discussion forums.

The R3 Fraud and Asset Recovery Group (FARG) met to consider developments in the fraud landscape, enforcement practice and barriers to effective asset recovery. The meeting highlighted concerns around access to information, engagement with enforcement bodies and the need for a more joined-up approach to tackling economic crime. Insights from this discussion will inform R3’s ongoing engagement with policymakers and enforcement agencies.

The Policy and Public Affairs team also attended a number of events this month, including the R3 Personal Insolvency Forum and the Kroll Restructuring Conference. These events provided valuable opportunities to hear directly from members, policymakers and industry stakeholders about emerging trends, operational challenges and areas where further policy attention may be needed.

Looking ahead

R3 will continue to progress the Value of the Profession Report by working closely with members to complete data collection and gather further evidence and case studies. This work is central to demonstrating the profession’s economic and strategic value, strengthening R3’s influence with government and stakeholders and ensuring future policy debates are informed by real-world practitioner experience. Members are encouraged to get involved and help shape a report that reflects the breadth, impact and expertise of the profession - please get in touch to find out how you can support this project.