Nick Dent
Chartered Legal Executive at Direct Business Solutions- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Diane Williamson
Nick, my go-to person for charity law, whether it's setting up a new charity, changing status from CIC to CIO, signposting not-for-profits to Nick for advice and support, Nick was always super knowledgeable, always helpful and did the best for the charity, even if the best, meant there was nothing further (at the time) for Nick to do. Nick's attention to detail was second to none, and he made charity law and charity commission 'speak' understandable. Thanks Nick.
LinkedIn User
I worked with Nick during his time working as Census Engagement Manager for the Darlington region. During weekly meetings with colleagues from Darlington Borough Council, I was inspired by Nick’s enthusiasm for obtaining the best possible return rate for the completion of the 2021 census. Nick’s organisation skills made it easy for us to identify how we could best support the project. It was great to see Nick make connections with a variety of individuals and groups from across the borough and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the census from Nick during our meetings.
Diane Williamson
Nick, my go-to person for charity law, whether it's setting up a new charity, changing status from CIC to CIO, signposting not-for-profits to Nick for advice and support, Nick was always super knowledgeable, always helpful and did the best for the charity, even if the best, meant there was nothing further (at the time) for Nick to do. Nick's attention to detail was second to none, and he made charity law and charity commission 'speak' understandable. Thanks Nick.
LinkedIn User
I worked with Nick during his time working as Census Engagement Manager for the Darlington region. During weekly meetings with colleagues from Darlington Borough Council, I was inspired by Nick’s enthusiasm for obtaining the best possible return rate for the completion of the 2021 census. Nick’s organisation skills made it easy for us to identify how we could best support the project. It was great to see Nick make connections with a variety of individuals and groups from across the borough and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the census from Nick during our meetings.
Diane Williamson
Nick, my go-to person for charity law, whether it's setting up a new charity, changing status from CIC to CIO, signposting not-for-profits to Nick for advice and support, Nick was always super knowledgeable, always helpful and did the best for the charity, even if the best, meant there was nothing further (at the time) for Nick to do. Nick's attention to detail was second to none, and he made charity law and charity commission 'speak' understandable. Thanks Nick.
LinkedIn User
I worked with Nick during his time working as Census Engagement Manager for the Darlington region. During weekly meetings with colleagues from Darlington Borough Council, I was inspired by Nick’s enthusiasm for obtaining the best possible return rate for the completion of the 2021 census. Nick’s organisation skills made it easy for us to identify how we could best support the project. It was great to see Nick make connections with a variety of individuals and groups from across the borough and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the census from Nick during our meetings.
Diane Williamson
Nick, my go-to person for charity law, whether it's setting up a new charity, changing status from CIC to CIO, signposting not-for-profits to Nick for advice and support, Nick was always super knowledgeable, always helpful and did the best for the charity, even if the best, meant there was nothing further (at the time) for Nick to do. Nick's attention to detail was second to none, and he made charity law and charity commission 'speak' understandable. Thanks Nick.
LinkedIn User
I worked with Nick during his time working as Census Engagement Manager for the Darlington region. During weekly meetings with colleagues from Darlington Borough Council, I was inspired by Nick’s enthusiasm for obtaining the best possible return rate for the completion of the 2021 census. Nick’s organisation skills made it easy for us to identify how we could best support the project. It was great to see Nick make connections with a variety of individuals and groups from across the borough and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the census from Nick during our meetings.
Credentials
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Accredited Mediator
London School of MediationMar, 2013- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Direct Business Solutions
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United Kingdom
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Utilities
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chartered Legal Executive
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Jun 2021 - Present
UK Direct Business Solutions Limited offer a wide range of energy procurement strategies and access to business tariffs from major gas and electricity suppliers. They provide businesses of all sizes with a comprehensive utility management service.Their solution combines outstanding account management from industry experts to deal with procurement and energy management needs.Assuming the responsibility of litigation executive, my role involves assessing the contents of the contract, including any fiduciary duties, actual or apparent authority, mistake, misrepresentation, the capacity of the parties, privity, performance, breach, and (most significantly) remedies for breach of contract to help the business model maximise its potential, including potential insolvency, litigation, mediation, and negotiation outcomes.
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Safer Communities
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Trustee
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Sep 2020 - Present
Safer Communities Limited (formerly Safe In Tees Valley) works in partnership to make communities safer, support victims of crime, and create opportunities to change people’s lives for the better.All our staff aspire to an ethos that promotes: flexibility and innovation; equality, diversity, and accessibility; quality of service; value for money; and impact and effectiveness. Safer Communities Limited (formerly Safe In Tees Valley) works in partnership to make communities safer, support victims of crime, and create opportunities to change people’s lives for the better.All our staff aspire to an ethos that promotes: flexibility and innovation; equality, diversity, and accessibility; quality of service; value for money; and impact and effectiveness.
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Director
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Mar 2011 - Present
I have been elected as a director to The King’s Academy in Coulby Newham, part of The Emmanuel Schools Foundation.The King’s Academy is a secondary school specialising in business and enterprise.The King’s Academy has a growing population (with an increased PAN since 2018) currently of some 1300 students along with a large integrated ‘special school’ of some 80 students in three specialist SEN provisions: Additionally Resourced Provisions for students with VI (Vision Impairment) and/or DHI (Deaf or hearing impaired); and an HLN (Higher Learning Needs) SEND Support Unit. These account for up to 10% of any cohort. The proportion of students supported with a statement of Special Educational Need or Education, Health and Care Plan is usually around triple the national average. The proportion of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium is well above the national average at c. 40%. Whilst identifying and addressing many students’ difficulties, there is an overwhelmingly pervasive culture of the highest expectations which we seek to instil in all students.Within The King’s Academy I am involved in various matters of governance and I interpret and apply guidance issued by the Department for Education. I am a regular member of the Disciplinary Review Committee and I have recently undertaken research on parental responsibility measures for school attendance and behaviour and advised the board on section 444 of the Education Act 1996.
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Presiding Officer
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May 2003 - Present
Interwoven with my professional career, I have been a Presiding Officer for Middlesbrough Council as occasion requires at Mayoral, Parliamentary, and European Elections since May 2007, having previously been a Poll Clerk since May 2003.The role of Presiding Officer is accountable to Legal and Democratic Services within a local authority. Presiding Officers are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling station and must have a sound knowledge of the voting procedures.It is an expectation that the Presiding Officer will provide a high quality of service in complying with instructions issued by the Counting Officer, ensuring the secrecy and security of the ballot, organising the lay-out of the polling station, and instructing and supervising the work of Poll Clerks amongst a number of other duties.
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Office for National Statistics
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United Kingdom
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Government Administration
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700 & Above Employee
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Census Engagement Manager
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Nov 2020 - May 2021
As Census Engagement Manager for the ONS, I am driving local engagement, building relationships, and inspiring others; working with councils and diverse communities to help make Census 2021 a success in my designated areas; building trust and encouraging participation in the census, ensuring the data it subsequently provides is representative of everyone; and using my negotiation, organisation, and people skills to lead and ensure the maximum number of people complete the census.The Census 2021 campaign aimed to tap into everyone's potential by reaching out to 27 million households across England and Wales. It had an unprecedented success rate of over 97% and a minimum 90% return across every local authority. As a result, Census 2021 has exceeded its targets, helping to build a solid foundation to 'build back better'.
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The Endeavour Partnership
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United Kingdom
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Law Practice
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chartered Legal Executive and Accredited Mediator
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Jan 2015 - Mar 2020
The Legal 500 ranked The Endeavour Partnership LLP as either Tier 1 or the highest ranking Tees Valley firm in all five of their core practice groups, delivering a service “in a professional and prompt manner”: they were the highest ranking Tees Valley firm for employment advice and insolvency advice and Tier 1 for commercial property and dispute resolution.I was proud and privileged to have been invited to join their corporate recovery and litigation teams, whilst being encouraged to develop my mediation skills and to supplement the charity team.It was a privilege to work with such a distinguished collection of people.
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Director
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Jan 2012 - Jan 2015
The formation of my own limited company allowed the delivery of a bespoke legal service addressing commercial disputes, consumer advice, matters of governance and administration, intellectual property issues such as copyright and trademarks, as well as satisfying the needs of a reputable insolvency practitioner in Newcastle upon Tyne to assume conduct of high volume claims within company voluntary liquidations.I delivered training seminars on matters of governance and the rights and responsibilities of being a trustee and/or company director.Current and relevant experience in charity law and matters of governance and administration was utilised. I also specialised in commercial dispute resolution and mediation. I consulted on behalf of both The Associate Law Firm in Newcastle upon Tyne and PG Legal Limited in Gateshead.
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Legal Consultant
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Jan 2013 - Feb 2014
I was employed as a Legal Consultant with Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA). I worked with civil society organisations providing advice, information, support, and training on legal issues including charity law and company law and other legal matters relevant to the administration and management of civil society organisations.My delivery of training seminars on the duties and responsibilities of trustees and directors were particularly popular.I promoted the legal service through outreach work and appropriate publicity. There was a particular emphasis on charity and company law and registration, legal structures, administration and governing documents, premises and tenure, health and safety, insurance, community asset transfers, contracts, licences, service level agreements, and trustee and director liability.During my time at RCVDA I advised on a merger between two organisations; drafted a number of service level agreements; advised on the application, interpretation, and termination of leases; advised a number of amateur football clubs on matters such as incorporation, community asset transfers, leases and licences, funding, and the revision of the articles of association; drafted consultancy agreements; delivered a training course on contracting; and I produced and circulated an electronic legal newsletter to the local business and voluntary and community sector.I have undertaken training courses including company law practice and charities and their non-charitable trading subsidiaries.
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Compliance Officer
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Jul 2012 - Jan 2013
As Compliance Officer with Tees Credit Union Limited I was required to demonstrate a working knowledge of compliance within a regulatory organisation. My duties and responsibilities included recommending, developing, participating in, and reviewing proposed changes to credit union policies and procedures for compliance with applicable regulatory rules and regulations, and providing recommendations for any necessary changes.I was also required to oversee the revision, preparation, and dissemination of new and updated compliance standards and procedures. By monitoring and analysing developing trends and changes in regulatory compliance laws, rules, and regulations, I was able to advise the board and management of the operational impact of such trends and changes.Within my role I also became responsible for ensuring that the credit union abided by OFT guidelines on collecting delinquent loans. I developed policies and procedures on matters such as data protection and dealing with people with mental health issues so that the credit union complied with the TCF policies issued by the FSA.
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Judicial Appointments Commission
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United Kingdom
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Government Administration
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1 - 100 Employee
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Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme
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Jun 2012 - Jun 2012
During June 2012 I participated in the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme and shadowed District Judge Pescod, District Judge Loomba, and District Judge Morgan on consecutive days in the Newcastle upon Tyne County Court on a range of legal matters including possession proceedings, applications to set aside statutory demands, pre-action disclosure applications, the approval of infant settlement claims, and the adjudication of a personal injury fast track trial. During June 2012 I participated in the Judicial Work Shadowing Scheme and shadowed District Judge Pescod, District Judge Loomba, and District Judge Morgan on consecutive days in the Newcastle upon Tyne County Court on a range of legal matters including possession proceedings, applications to set aside statutory demands, pre-action disclosure applications, the approval of infant settlement claims, and the adjudication of a personal injury fast track trial.
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Citizens Advice
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United Kingdom
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Non-profit Organizations
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700 & Above Employee
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Adviser
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Nov 2011 - Jun 2012
Within the Citizens Advice service there was a need to address issues as diverse as benefits, consumer, debt, employment, housing, insurance, and family and personal matters. I was also invited by the Citizens Advice service to deliver financial capability support sessions to target groups and individuals.I have successfully undertaken the Adviser Skills course to demonstrate excellent client care skills. Within the Citizens Advice service there was a need to address issues as diverse as benefits, consumer, debt, employment, housing, insurance, and family and personal matters. I was also invited by the Citizens Advice service to deliver financial capability support sessions to target groups and individuals.I have successfully undertaken the Adviser Skills course to demonstrate excellent client care skills.
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Jacksons Law Firm
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United Kingdom
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Law Practice
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1 - 100 Employee
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Commercial Litigator
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Jan 1986 - Jul 2011
Jacksons Monk & Rowe was recognised nationally for its defendant personal injury work and I became involved with heavyweight litigation claims for clients such as Iron Trades Insurance Group, Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, and Norwich Union. Claims typically involved vibration white finger, industrial deafness, and fatal accidents.I have also been involved in a wide range of commercial litigation matters and have developed considerable court experience and associated advocacy skills.I have been involved with insolvency throughout my career. I have worked on a range of issues including the annulment and/or stay of bankruptcy orders, securing interim orders, winding-up petitions and their dismissal where appropriate, out of court administration appointments, negotiating with HMRC, orders for possession and sales in bankruptcies.I have enforced retention of title clauses and resolved commercial disputes on behalf of FTSE 100 companies as well as prestigious local and national enterprises. I have also undertaken equine matters on behalf of NFU Mutual, prosecuted in the magistrates’ court on behalf of the RSPCA, and advised on intellectual property matters.I represented utility companies in high volume and high value contract claims, statutory claims, and claims arising from the law of torts. The full aspect of the claim was addressed, including the drafting of pleadings, interviewing and taking witness statements, assessing and gathering of evidence, advising on merits, assessing damages, negotiation, representation in any mediation process, and should the need have arisen advocacy within any court hearing, with the subsequent application of any appropriate enforcement process.Within one claim I was successfully able to argue that a local authority could be defined as a statutory undertaker under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
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Education
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1981 - 1983
St Mary's Sixth Form College
Community
