Masimo Corp. v. Kiani - Forum Selection Clause Enforcement

The Delaware Court of Chancery granted Defendant Joe E. Kiani's motion to dismiss in Masimo Corp. v. Kiani (C.A. No. 2024-1086-NAC), decided April 21, 2026. The court held that the forum selection clause in Kiani's 2015 employment agreement—specifying the Superior Court of California as the exclusive forum—is enforceable and overrides Masimo's bylaws provision requiring Delaware courts for internal affairs claims. Masimo's Delaware action sought to invalidate the employment agreement on grounds it resulted from Kiani's breaches of fiduciary duty.

SB304 Alabama Building Trade Business License

Alabama Senate Bill 304 was enrolled and enacted on April 13, 2026, during the 2026 Regular Session. The bill, sponsored by Senator Greg Albritton, provides for municipal business license requirements for certain businesses operating in the building trade. The Senate passed the original bill 30-0 on March 17, 2026, and the House passed the amended version 101-2 on April 8, 2026, before the bill was delivered to the Governor and enrolled.

Ten Commandments Display Required in Alabama Public Schools

Alabama Senate Bill SB99 was enrolled and enacted on April 13, 2026, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in certain public schools. The requirement is expressly conditioned on the availability of donations to fund the display, meaning no public funds may be used. The bill passed the Senate with final House passage on April 9, 2026, by a vote of 81-10 (Roll Call 1347).

Alabama SB361 Establishes Dog Tethering and Confinement Requirements with Exemptions and Criminal Penalties

Alabama SB361 establishes statewide dog tethering and confinement requirements, creating criminal penalties for violations and assigning enforcement authority to animal control officers. The bill was sponsored by Senator Garlan Gudger and passed the Senate 28-1 on third reading, then passed the House 69-23 on April 8, 2026, before being enrolled and enacted on April 13, 2026. Dog owners, pet-related businesses, and local governments should review the new requirements and exemptions to understand compliance obligations under the law.

Alabama SB5 Requires K-12 Public Schools Broadcast Star-Spangled Banner Weekly

Alabama SB5 was enacted on April 13, 2026, establishing a statewide constitutional amendment that requires all public K-12 schools to broadcast the Star-Spangled Banner on a weekly basis. The bill cleared both chambers with final House passage on a 75-27 roll call vote and was signed into law after being delivered to the Governor on April 9, 2026. Educational institutions subject to this mandate should ensure their facilities are equipped and scheduled to comply with the weekly anthem broadcast requirement.

SB99 Requires Ten Commandments Display in Alabama Public Schools

Alabama Senate Bill 99 has been enacted, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in certain public schools in the state. The bill was passed by the Senate (Yea: 30, Nay: 4) on March 31 and subsequently passed by the House of Representatives (Yea: 81, Nay: 10) on April 9, receiving final enactment on April 13. The implementation of the display requirement is contingent upon the availability of private donations, meaning schools are not required to use public funds for this purpose. Schools subject to this mandate should identify the specific display locations and establish procedures to receive and manage donation-funded acquisitions.

Alabama SB5 Requires Weekly Star-Spangled Banner Broadcast in Public K-12 Schools

Alabama's SB5, a statewide constitutional amendment, was enacted on April 13, 2026, requiring all public K-12 schools in the state to broadcast the Star-Spangled Banner at least once weekly. The bill passed the House 75-27 after earlier Senate passage on March 3, 2026. School districts in Alabama must now incorporate the weekly anthem broadcast into their school operations.

University of Suffolk FOI Exemption Upheld

The ICO issued a Decision Notice finding that the University of Suffolk correctly relied on section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold student nationality data requested by a complainant. The Commissioner determined that the exemption for third-party personal information was properly applied, and no further compliance steps are required from the University. The decision relates to nationality information for students attending specific courses between September 2016 and 7 April 2025.

Dorset Police NCND Officer Info Not Upheld

The ICO has issued a Decision Notice regarding a Freedom of Information complaint against Dorset Police. The complainant requested information about two named officers, and Dorset Police applied a neither confirm nor deny (NCND) response under section 40(5) of FOIA. The Commissioner has determined that Dorset Police was correct to rely on this exemption and does not require the force to take any further steps.

Cambridgeshire County Council FOIA Section 30(1) Investigation Exemption Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has upheld Cambridgeshire County Council's refusal to disclose information about a Trading Standards investigation under section 30(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Commissioner found that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure, and therefore no further steps are required of the Council. This decision confirms that investigative records held by local authorities may be withheld where disclosure would prejudice ongoing or prospective proceedings.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council FOI Complaint Not Upheld

The ICO has upheld Bracknell Forest Borough Council's reliance on section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold third-party personal information from a four-part FOI request concerning senior officers. The Commissioner also found on the balance of probabilities that the council does not hold the information sought in part 1 of the request, despite the complainant's dispute. No further steps are required of the council.

HMRC FOI 40(2) Third Party Personal Data Decision Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a Decision Notice upholding HMRC's reliance on section 40(2) of FOIA to withhold information about the persons who conducted an internal review of a previous information request. The complainant had sought to identify the reviewers, but the Commissioner determined that disclosing their identities would constitute unfair disclosure of third-party personal data. This decision confirms that public authorities may withhold details identifying staff involved in internal review processes where disclosure would breach data protection principles.

Estyn Vexatious FOI Request Complaint Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office issued a decision on 15 April 2026 finding that a Freedom of Information request made to Estyn (Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales) was vexatious under section 14(1) of FOIA. The complainant had requested information about Estyn's complaint responses, prior FOIA disclosures, and inspection processes relating to a specific school. The Commissioner determined that Estyn was entitled to rely on the vexatious request exemption to refuse the request. No further action is required by either party.

Wandsworth Council SEN FOI Request Not Upheld

The ICO reviewed a complaint against Wandsworth Borough Council regarding a Freedom of Information request for Special Educational Needs (SEN) processes and complaint management procedures. The council provided some information and directed the complainant to published sources but withheld remaining information under FOIA sections 21(1) and 22(1). The Commissioner found that section 21(1) was properly engaged at the time and the council does not hold additional relevant unpublished information, resulting in no breach of section 16(1) concerning advice and assistance. No steps are required of the council.

North East London ICB FOI Dentist Info Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a Decision Notice in case IC-397588-D4P0, dated 15 April 2026, finding that NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) has complied with section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The complaint, which concerned a request for information about a specific dentist, was not upheld. The ICO has determined that no further steps are required of the ICB.

Plymouth City Council FOI Decision Notice: Information Not Held, Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a Decision Notice finding that Plymouth City Council correctly confirmed it did not hold information requested about a referendum relating to a proposed mayoral election. The council explained that any information relating to the matter would in any event be held by the Returning Officer, a separate legal entity. The Commissioner determined the council complied with section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and does not require any further steps to be taken.

Home Office FOI Request on Migrant Housing at RAF Scampton Partly Upheld

The ICO's decision notice dated 15 April 2026 concerns a freedom of information complaint regarding the housing of migrants at RAF Scampton. While the Home Office was entitled to refuse the request under section 14(1) of FOIA (vexatious requests) and regulation 12(4)(b) of the EIR (manifestly unreasonable request), the ICO found the Home Office failed in its duty to provide advice and assistance. The ICO requires the Home Office to either advise the complainant on how to refine the request to make it less burdensome, or explain why no practical means of refinement exists.

Badsworth Parish Council FOI Complaint Upheld - SID Data Request

The ICO has upheld a freedom of information complaint against Badsworth Parish Council regarding a request for Speed Indicator Device (SID) data. The council failed to adequately ascertain whether it holds further information falling within the scope of the request. The Commissioner requires the council to conduct searches aimed at identifying all information within scope and either disclose this information to the complainant or issue a refusal notice that complies with FOIA. The council must also identify if a third party overseeing the unit holds any information on the council's behalf within scope. Failure to comply within 30 calendar days may result in the Commissioner making written certification of this fact to the High Court pursuant to section 54 of the Act.

Tower Hamlets FOI 3 Upheld, 30 Days

The ICO has upheld a complaint against the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, finding that the council holds Rapid Reviews relating to child deaths or serious injuries for the purposes of FOIA. The council had refused disclosure on the basis that the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership is not a public authority. The Commissioner ruled this argument fails because the information is held by the council for FOIA purposes. The council must issue a fresh response within 30 calendar days of the decision notice, dated 16 April 2026. Non-compliance may result in the Commissioner certifying this to the High Court as contempt of court.

Montenegro SEPA: 1.6B Euro Transactions, 3.8M Euro Savings

Six months of SEPA integration in Montenegro produced 82,213 transactions worth over 1.6 billion euros. Average international transaction fees fell 92% from 73.4 euros (SWIFT) to 6.21 euros (SEPA). Citizens and businesses have saved more than 3.8 million euros in fees, with projected annual savings of up to 14.6 million euros if all transactions migrate to SEPA. A World Bank February 2026 report confirmed Montenegro now has the lowest cross-border payment costs to the EU. An instant payments system (TIPS Clone) is scheduled to launch on July 20.

Aromatherapy vs Music Therapy for Anxiety in Children During Dental Radiography (NCT07542665)

NIH has registered a clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07542665) evaluating the effects of aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety levels in children undergoing their first intraoral radiographic examination. The randomized controlled trial assigns participants to four groups: combined aromatherapy and music, aromatherapy alone, music therapy alone, or standard care control. Anxiety is measured via the Facial Imaging Scale and pulse rate before and after the procedure, with enrollment status unspecified in the registry entry.

Assessing Changes in Gadoxetate Metabolism by the Liver Using MRI

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust registered an observational clinical trial (NCT07541807) to assess dynamic gadoxetate-enhanced MRI as a liver imaging biomarker for measuring drug-drug interaction effects on liver cell transporters. The study aims to recruit 12 healthy volunteers aged 18 and older to confirm DGE-MRI utility using two drugs known to act on hepatic transporters. The trial is part of the EU/IMI-funded TRISTAN project for translational imaging in drug safety assessment.

Phase 1 Stem Cell Trial, Systemic Sclerosis, Apr 2026

NIH registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07542067) evaluating allogeneic stromal mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and refractory pulmonary involvement. The single-site study, expected to begin April 2026, will assess safety and preliminary efficacy of intravenous stem cell infusion in a patient population with limited therapeutic alternatives and poor survival prognosis.

Peer Role-Play Simulation vs Case-Based Learning in Physical Therapy Education

NIH registered a clinical trial (NCT07541248) evaluating whether peer role-play simulation is superior to traditional case-based learning for undergraduate physiotherapy student professional development. The 12-week study will measure academic achievement, self-efficacy, and clinical readiness across both pedagogical approaches.

Adult Disease Risk Prediction Using Wearables, Hearing, and Health Data

A prospective cohort study (NCT07541547) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov will recruit community-dwelling adults aged 18 and older in Taiwan to develop a personalized disease risk prediction model. Participants will wear a smartwatch for 2 weeks to collect continuous heart rate and physical activity data, undergo pure tone hearing testing, and provide access to personal health records and national health insurance databases for longitudinal follow-up. Machine learning methods will identify predictors and build risk prediction models combining wearable data, hearing measures, lifestyle factors, and medical records.

CGM and Group Intervention for Prediabetes Study

NIH registered ClinicalTrials.gov study NCT07543068, a randomized investigation examining whether combining continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices with group behavioral intervention sessions can reduce A1C levels and improve self-management confidence in adults with prediabetes. The study will enroll participants with confirmed prediabetes or non-diabetic hyperglycemia and deliver interventions through regular small-group educational meetings alongside real-time glucose monitoring. Results will inform diabetes prevention strategies.

PROTECT-ICU: ICU Staff Training to Reduce PICS

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07542613 for PROTECT-ICU, a study examining whether structured training programs for intensive care unit staff can reduce post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in adults. The trial will compare the standard ABCDEF care bundle against an expanded A-Z bundle including additional practices such as nutrition, sleep, infection prevention, and psychological support.

Phase 3 Trial: 50IU vs 20IU OnabotulinumtoxinA for Chronic Anal Fissure

NIH has registered a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT07543315) evaluating the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection for chronic anal fissure treatment, comparing a high dose of 50IU versus a low dose of 20IU. The trial will assess healing rates, fissure pain, incontinence, and return to daily activity as primary outcomes. Patients will be divided into two groups receiving the respective doses via the same injection technique.

New Trial: Rutazyme Capsules, 40 Adults, Obesity, 12 Weeks

A new clinical trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT07540949. The study will evaluate a lemon fermented product capsule (Rutazyme) for metabolic health in 40 adults aged 18-65 with obesity over 12 weeks. Participants will be randomised to receive either the active capsule or a placebo capsule daily.

MINDZ Subdural Electrode Grid First-in-Human Pilot Study NCT07543406

Neurosoft Bioelectronics registered a first-in-human pilot study (NCT07543406) for the MINDZ subdural electrode grid, an investigational medical device designed for minimally invasive burr hole implantation in neurosurgical settings. The study will generate initial clinical evidence on safety and functional performance to support future CE marking under the European Medical Device Regulation. Estimated enrollment is 50-100 participants.

DPH Encourages Residents to Dispose of Unused Prescription Medicines During Drug Take Back Day

SC DPH is encouraging South Carolina residents to participate in the DEA-hosted National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by disposing of unused or expired prescription medications at designated collection sites. The announcement cites state data showing 2,157 drug overdose deaths in 2023 (6.1% decrease from 2022), with 1,840 attributed to prescription drugs, and 1,479 provisional deaths in 2024. Drop-off sites will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and solid prescription drugs; vaping devices, liquids, sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Free Overdose Prevention Safety Kits containing fentanyl test strips, naloxone (Narcan), and treatment resources are available at DPH health clinics without appointments or ID.

No New Measles Cases Since Friday, Outbreak Total Stays 997

South Carolina DPH reported no new measles cases on April 21, 2026, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. Forty-one individuals remain in quarantine related to a Saluda County exposure, with quarantine ending May 9. If no new outbreak-related cases are reported, the outbreak would end April 26, following a 42-day period with no new cases.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Kershaw County; Two Horses Exposed

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed a raccoon found near Bishopville Highway and Lee Road in Camden tested positive for rabies on April 20, 2026, after being submitted for testing on April 17. Two horses were exposed and will be quarantined as required under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act; no human exposures are known at this time. This is the first rabid animal case in Kershaw County in 2026, with 25 cases reported statewide this year and 101 confirmed cases in 2025.

Canada-France Securities Cross-Listing Agreement Supports Prospectus Reviews

The AMF Quebec, Ontario Securities Commission, and AMF France signed a cooperation agreement on April 20, 2026, establishing a collaborative procedure to support initial cross-listing of securities by way of prospectus in Canada and France. The agreement facilitates dialogue and information sharing between securities regulators but does not provide regulatory relief—companies must still comply with all applicable regulatory and exchange requirements of both countries. Enhanced support and assistance will be available from all three regulators throughout the prospectus review process.

Joint Forum of Financial Regulators Discuss Retirees Financial Security in Montreal

The Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators held its Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec on April 15, 2026, bringing together members of CCIR, CSA, CAPSA, CISRO, and the Mortgage Brokers' Council of Canada. The forum focused on retirees' financial security, including presentations from OECD on barriers to financial advice access and from the National Institute on Ageing on helping Canadians prepare for retirement beyond pensions. Regulators emphasized the importance of inter-regulatory coordination given that retirees rely on financial products spanning multiple regulated sectors.

UK Cyber Chief Warns of Perfect Storm for Cyber Security Amid AI Threats

NCSC CEO Dr. Richard Horne is expected to deliver a keynote at the CYBERUK conference in Glasgow on April 22, 2026, warning that the UK faces a 'perfect storm' for cyber security driven by AI technological advances and geopolitical tensions. The NCSC reports that the majority of nationally significant cyber incidents it handles now originate directly or indirectly from nation states, with frontier AI rapidly enabling vulnerability discovery at scale.

McAuliffe v. Robinson Helicopter Co. — GARA Rolling Provision Interpretation

The Ninth Circuit reversed in part the district court's summary judgment for Robinson Helicopter Company in a wrongful death action arising from a fatal helicopter sightseeing crash in Kailua, Hawai'i on April 29, 2019. The court held that GARA's rolling provision (Section 2(a)(2)) does not require substantive alteration of replacement parts to restart the eighteen-year repose period — only that replacement parts from the manufacturer were installed. The district court must reconsider causation on remand. The court affirmed the district court's rejection of the fraud exception, finding plaintiffs made no particularized allegations of knowing FAA misrepresentation.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI - FLPMA Land Exchange Rehearing Denied

The Ninth Circuit denied petitions for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI on April 21, 2026, upholding the panel majority's affirmance of summary judgment for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The court held that the general land exchange authorization under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act does not vitiate a specific 1900 Act provision restricting disposal of certain Fort Hall Indian Reservation ceded lands to specified categories of law. Judges Collins and Tung dissented, arguing FLPMA's uniform disposal procedures superseded the 1900 Act's exclusivity provision.

Bolandian Insider Trading Conviction Vacated, Remanded

The Ninth Circuit vacated Shahriyar Bolandian's six-count insider trading conviction and remanded for a new trial, holding that the district court failed to adequately investigate when Juror No. 6 expressed uncertainty about his impartiality. The appellate court found the district court impermissibly delegated its independent duty to investigate juror bias to the juror himself, violating Bolandian's Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury. Reviewing for plain error, the panel held the district court plainly erred in failing to strike Juror No. 6 and that this error affected Bolandian's substantial rights and the fairness and public reputation of the proceedings.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI - FLPMA Land Exchange Authority

The Ninth Circuit denied petitions for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc (Dkt. Nos. 129 and 131) in Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI, leaving intact a panel ruling that the general land-exchange authorization under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 does not override a specific 1900 Act provision restricting disposal of ceded Fort Hall Indian Reservation lands. Judges Collins and Tung each dissented from the en banc denial, with Collins arguing the panel misread the 1900 Act and Tung arguing the two statutes can be harmonized.

SB467 Fire Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Texas Senate Bill 467 creates a temporary property tax exemption for the appraised value of improvements to residence homesteads that are completely destroyed by fire. The bill was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 20, 2025, with an effective date of 2025-06-20. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously (31-0) on April 29, 2025, and the House unanimously (144-0 on third reading) on May 27, 2025. Sponsors include Senators Angela Paxton (R), Judith Zaffirini (D), Cesar Blanco (D), and Representative Cole Hefner (R). Property owners whose homesteads are completely destroyed by fire may claim this exemption from ad valorem taxation on the improvement value.

SB293 Relating to Judicial Discipline, Compensation, and Transparency

Texas Senate Bill 293 was signed into law by the Governor on June 20, 2025, establishing comprehensive reforms to judicial discipline procedures administered by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The bill authorizes administrative penalties, modifies judicial compensation and retirement benefits, and creates new transparency reporting requirements for the judiciary. The Senate passed SB293 31-0 on March 12, 2025, and the House passed the conference committee report 114-26 on June 2, 2025.

Texas SB3056 Creates Alluvium Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1

Texas SB3056 creates the Alluvium Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1 in Grayson County, effective June 20, 2025. The bill grants the district authority to issue bonds, impose assessments, fees, and taxes, and exercise limited eminent domain. The legislation passed the Texas Senate unanimously (31-0 on May 14) and the Texas House unanimously (141-0 on May 28) before being filed without the Governor's signature.

Proxy Voting for MEPs During Pregnancy and After Birth

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on 13 November 2025 amending the European Electoral Act to permit Members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy in plenary sessions during pregnancy and after giving birth. This resolution, adopted under the European Parliament's right to initiate reform of its own electoral procedure, aims to promote work-life balance and enhance gender equality in political participation. The amendment was published in the Official Journal of the European Union C series on 22 April 2026 under reference C/2026/1667.

Anti-Dumping Measures Expiry Notice — Grain-Oriented Silicon-Electrical Steel

The European Commission has published notice in the Official Journal that anti-dumping measures imposed on imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel from the People's Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America will expire on 18 January 2027 at midnight. The measures were originally imposed under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/58. Union producers may submit a written request for an expiry review to the Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, provided the request is submitted no later than three months before the expiry date.

EU Continues Moldova Sanctions: Notice to Listed Persons and Entities on Restrictive Measures

The Council of the European Union has reviewed the list of natural and legal persons subject to restrictive measures under Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 (as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/897) and Council Regulation (EU) 2023/888 (as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/898) concerning actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova. The Council has determined that these restrictive measures shall continue to apply to listed persons and entities. Listed parties may apply to competent Member State authorities for authorisation to access frozen funds for basic needs under Article 3 of the Regulation, or submit a delisting request to the Council before 3 November 2026.

London Borough of Haringey £300k MEP Contract for Alexandra Palace Joint Security Room

The London Borough of Haringey has published a contract notice for Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services to create a new Joint Security Room at Alexandra Palace, with an estimated contract value of £300,000 excluding VAT. The procurement follows a Restricted procedure and is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement. Tenders must be submitted electronically by 12 May 2026, with the contract scheduled to run from 22 June 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Humber Bridge Board Seeks £600k Electrical Contractor

The Humber Bridge Board has published a below-threshold open tender under the Procurement Act 2023 for the upgrade of existing electrical infrastructure at the Humber Bridge. The estimated contract value is £600,000 including VAT (£500,000 excluding VAT), covering design and installation of new and modified electrical infrastructure, and removal of redundant equipment. The contract is estimated to run from 22 June 2026 to 22 June 2027. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are listed as being of particular suitability for this procurement.

End of Life and Palliative Care Services Contract Award, £2,273,542

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has published a contract award notice for End of Life and Palliative Care Services in York valued at £2,273,542 (excluding VAT), awarded to St. Leonard's Hospice York. The contract covers three service streams: a 20-bed inpatient unit for terminal and specialist palliative care, community-based domiciliary end of life care for adults aged 18 and over, and a personal carer support service providing respite for families. The award was made under Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Process C to the existing provider, with the contract running from 05/05/2026 to 04/05/2027. The notice triggers a standstill period; provider representations must be submitted by 23:59hrs on 5 May 2026.

Thames Freeport Skills Programme, £1.17M, Deadline 30 April

Thames Freeport has issued a preliminary market engagement notice under the Procurement Act 2023 to establish a £1.17M framework for skills training programmes across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock. The procurement, managed by Avencera on behalf of Thames Freeport, will appoint a pool of approved training providers with the first call-off contracts targeting construction, advanced manufacturing, and logistics training. Two online supplier briefing events are scheduled for 28 April and 30 April 2026, with the engagement deadline set for 30 April 2026.