These regulations amend several existing UK statutory instruments to reflect the abolition of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and the subsequent transfer of its functions to the Secretary of State.

Specifically, the regulations replace references to the Institute with the Secretary of State in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 and amend the Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2017, removing the Institute’s power to charge fees for evaluating apprenticeship assessments.

Additionally, they remove the Institute from listings of public bodies in the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017 and the Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024.

The regulations came into force on July 2nd, 2025.

This Order modifies the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014 to extend whistleblower protection to individuals disclosing information about sanctions-related activities undertaken by the Secretaries of State for Business and Trade, Transport, and the Treasury.

This expansion ensures greater accountability and transparency within the government's sanctions regime.

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

These regulations set the commencement dates for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025.

Key provisions, including the transfer of the Institute's property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, come into effect the day after the regulations are made.

Further provisions, including the transfer of functions and the abolition of the Institute, take effect on June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.

The regulations aim to streamline governance and clarify responsibilities, but potential negative consequences such as increased bureaucracy or disruption to existing structures are possible.

These regulations empower the registrar to annotate company and limited liability partnership (LLP) registers with information regarding director disqualifications, non-compliance with information requests, company registration on false bases, and restrictions on public access to registrable person's particulars.

The goal is to improve transparency and clarity for those reviewing the registers, thus aiding better risk assessment and enforcement.

Specific provisions detail how these annotations will be made, clarifying the relevant information to be included and the timing of implementation.

The Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend existing UK police regulations.

Key changes include updating probationary service rules for special constables, clarifying gross misconduct definitions, modifying notification and document provision procedures to allow for electronic communication, and streamlining performance review processes.

The amendments also incorporate the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 and introduce transitional provisions to manage the transition to the new regulations.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 1988 Regulations.

Key changes include removing certain baby and child products from the definition of "furniture," eliminating specific labeling requirements, and extending the time limit for legal proceedings related to fire safety offenses to twelve months.

The amendments aim to clarify the regulatory framework and reduce burdens on businesses, although concerns remain about potential impacts on fire safety and enforcement.

The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2025, amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations.

These amendments exclude payments made under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals from earnings calculations used to determine Class 1 National Insurance contributions.

The regulations were created under the authority of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, with concurrence from the Department for Communities.