Simpson Millar Solicitors

This week’s #FridayFeedback features the dedicated work of Georgina Emsley, a Solicitor in our Medical Negligence department at Simpson Millar. Our client expressed their gratitude for Georgina’s guidance, noting her professionalism and clarity throughout the entire process. Georgina’s attention to detail and proactive approach ensured that every step was well explained and managed, leading to a successful outcome. The client appreciated her consistent updates and determination in pushing the case forward, ultimately achieving a positive resolution. If you or a loved one has been affected by Medical Negligence, such as surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or medication mistakes, we understand how overwhelming and difficult it can be to navigate the next steps. Our experienced Medical Negligence Solicitors are here to provide not just legal expertise but compassionate support every step of the way. We know that the impact of Medical Negligence can be life-changing, affecting not just your physical health but also your confidence and overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time, ensuring you feel informed, empowered, and supported as you consider your options. 📞 If you need guidance or support, call us on 0808 149 9561 for a free, confidential chat and a no-obligation case assessment. #MedicalNegligence #ClientSupport #ClientPraise

We attended The Catterick Christmas Military Event 2024 yesterday at Catterick Garrison. Michael Goddard, our Business Development Manager and former Police Liaison Officer, was joined by sinead cartwright, a Partner in our Military Department, to represent our firm at this significant community gathering. The event, organised by the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event (NAFESE) and sponsored by Phoenix Health & Safety, brought together a diverse range of exhibitors offering support and opportunities for the forces community, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. Attendees had access to recruitment and training opportunities, general advice, leisure freebies, and festive refreshments. Michael and Sinead were available to discuss how Simpson Millar provides tailored legal services to the Military community, drawing on our expertise and commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by those in the Armed Forces. It was a pleasure to meet so many individuals and families, and to be part of an initiative that supports the Military community during the festive season. We extend our gratitude to NAFESE for organising this event and to everyone who visited our stand. #CatterickMilitaryEvent #MilitaryCommunity #MilitaryLegalAdvice #CatterickGarrison #NAFESE

This week’s #FridayFeedback comes from a client who worked with Rachel Scales, a Solicitor in our Education Law team at Simpson Millar. The client shared how Rachel and the team provided unwavering support during a tough battle with a local authority to secure an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) for their son, who has multiple additional needs. Rachel’s clear communication, guidance, and compassionate approach ensured the client felt informed and supported throughout an incredibly stressful process. The client expressed their heartfelt thanks for the peace of mind and hope Rachel brought to their family. If you’re finding it difficult to secure the right educational support for your child, our top-ranked Education Law team is here to offer support. We know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the EHCP process or challenge local authority decisions, and we’re here to offer clear, compassionate, and expert legal assistance, every step of the way. With years of experience in helping families achieve positive outcomes, we’re committed to making sure your child receives the tailored educational and social support they deserve. Your child's future and well-being are at the heart of everything we do, and we’ll work tirelessly to help you through this journey. 📞 Call us today on 0808 149 9561 for a no-obligation, confidential chat about how we can support you and your family. #EducationLaw #EHCP #ClientPraise

📢 The government has announced a £740 million funding boost to increase the number of places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools across England. This funding, part of the £6.7 billion education budget, aims to adapt school buildings to make them more accessible and to create specialist units where pupils can receive focused support. According to analysis by BBC News, the number of SEND pupils in standard education settings has risen by over a third since 2015-16. The additional funding acknowledges the growing demand for inclusive education, but organisations such as the UK National Audit Office (NAO) and other education experts have highlighted that this is only the beginning of much-needed reforms to address long-standing issues in the SEND system. Parents and schools have voiced concerns about the current lack of resources. For instance, Brighouse High School in West Yorkshire highlighted the challenges of maintaining accessibility. Despite spending £10,000 on building adaptations such as handrails and accessible bathrooms, their broken lift, which would cost £250,000 to repair, remains unusable. This leaves one wheelchair-using pupil having to travel outside through car parks to access certain classrooms. This situation demonstrates the practical and financial pressures many schools face when trying to support SEND pupils effectively. Whilst the new funding will assist in making schools more accessible and allow for more specialist provisions, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated that simply increasing funding is not enough. Large-scale reform of the SEND system is necessary to ensure consistent and equitable support across the country, but this will take time to implement. If you want to learn more, check out the full story on the BBC News website: https://lnkd.in/dv9fkhbV If you are a parent or caretaker of a child with SEND and are struggling to secure the right support, our top-ranked Education Law Solicitors are here to help. We have expertise in securing appropriate provision, resolving disputes over Education, Health, and Care Plans, and advocating for placements in specialist or residential schools where necessary. 📞 For expert advice and guidance, call us on 0808 149 956, and let us help ensure your child gets the support they need to thrive in their education.

As the festive season approaches, a few members of the Medical Negligence team at Simpson Millar took the opportunity last week to connect and unwind outside of the office. They kicked off the evening at the delightful Garten Bar and Restaurant, enjoying a selection of delicious dishes, including steaks and shish kebabs, accompanied by wine and cocktails.🍷🥩🍸 The evening continued at Mitre Bar, where the team shared conversations about the festive season, their plans for the New Year, and reflections on the year’s successes. It was a chance to strengthen connections in a more informal setting and appreciate the value of collaboration beyond the workplace. At Simpson Millar, we value opportunities like these to strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration, and support effective team building in a relaxed and engaging environment. #TeamBuilding #MedicalNegligenceTeam

🚨 Join us in giving a warm welcome to Shalini Patel, our newest team member and the Head of Education, Public Law, and Human Rights departments at Simpson Millar. Shalini brings a wealth of experience in public law and human rights, with a proven track record of challenging unjust policies and leading transformative cases. Her work has not only protected vulnerable individuals but also influenced policies and legal practices at national and international levels. From addressing human rights violations to advocating for equality and justice, Shalini’s dedication and expertise are set to drive impactful change in her new role. 💼 Learn more about Shalini and explore her impressive professional biography here: https://lnkd.in/dMHKrEmG #TeamSimpsonMillar #HumanRights #PublicLaw #EducationLaw #LegalLeadership #NewStarter

📢 Primary School Suspensions and Exclusions: A Growing Crisis According to a BBC News analysis, the rate of primary school suspensions in England has more than doubled over the past decade, with 84,300 suspensions recorded in the 2022/23 school year. This means that for every 10,000 primary school pupils, 180 were suspended - an alarming rise that signals increasing challenges in managing behaviour at this young age. Permanent exclusions, where children are completely removed from a school, have also increased by nearly 70% during the same period, affecting even children as young as six. Alarmingly, 90% of the primary-aged children permanently excluded in the past five years were identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), highlighting a systemic issue where vulnerable pupils are disproportionately affected. These figures reveal a growing strain on schools’ ability to meet the diverse needs of pupils, especially those with SEND. For the children affected, suspensions and exclusions can have lasting impacts, including lower self-esteem, disrupted education, and reduced opportunities later in life. Experts warn that without better support and earlier interventions, the issue will continue to escalate, leaving thousands of children without the help they need to thrive. For more details, you can read the full BBC News article here: https://lnkd.in/ekuQvyga If your child has been excluded or suspended, we understand how worrying and overwhelming this can be. At Simpson Millar, we’re passionate about protecting children’s futures. Our top-ranked Education Law team in the UK is here to guide you every step of the way - whether it’s challenging unfair exclusions, navigating appeals, or ensuring your child receives the support they need to thrive. We care deeply about helping every child access the education and opportunities they deserve. 📞 Contact us today on 0808 149 9561 for expert advice and compassionate support. #SchoolExclusions #SENDSupport #ParentSupport #SpecialEducationalNeeds #EducationLaw #BBCNews

🌸 Honouring Evelyn’s Legacy: Advocating for Change and Spreading Kindness. Evelyn Gibson was just 15 years old when she tragically died in April 2022. An inquest into her death revealed significant failings in the mental health care she received, including delays in diagnosis, inadequate discharge planning from the Leicester mental health ward, and a lack of aftercare once she was discharged. These shortcomings contributed to her untimely death and highlighted critical issues with the provision of care for children and young people in Lincolnshire. Since Evelyn’s death, some steps have been taken to address these failings. These include new aftercare procedures for children and young people in Lincolnshire, improved communication between parents and clinicians at the Beacon hospital in Leicester, and the implementation of a new mental health policy at Kesteven and Grantham Girls School, where Evelyn was a student. These changes have been driven in part by the tireless advocacy of her parents, Jenni and Jack Swift, who have worked to honour their daughter’s memory and ensure her voice continues to inspire change. Jenni and Jack’s remarkable contribution was recognised by various healthcare professionals during the Inquest and the Coroner in her summing up. Charlotte Andrews, our Public Law and Human Rights Solicitor, provided legal guidance during the inquest, helping ensure that Evelyn’s story was heard and that the systemic issues in her care were brought to light. Evelyn’s parents continue to advocate for better mental health support whilst spreading kindness in her name through #EvelynsButterflyEffect. They are also grateful to organisations such as Parenting Mental Health, Beat (Eating Disorders), YoungMinds, Campaign Against Living Miserably, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), and Amparo, which supported them during Evelyn’s care and continue today. The inquest also marked a historic moment in safeguarding, with the first application to Ofcom under the Online Safety Act 2024 to investigate social media’s potential role. Whilst no specific trigger was found, this reassured Evelyn’s family that every aspect of her care and life had been considered. Evelyn’s story is one of immense loss, but also one of resilience and hope. Learn more about her legacy and the ongoing work to improve mental health services by visiting our website: https://lnkd.in/d47KdcZx #EvelynsButterflyEffect #OnlineSafetyAct #ChildMentalHealth #AdvocatingForChange

This week’s #FridayFeedback showcases the dedication and support provided by Gavin Hughes, a Partner and Military Claims Solicitor at Simpson Millar. Our client shared how Gavin’s professional approach and expertise made a significant difference in their case. Despite initial anxiety about speaking with someone new, Gavin’s reassuring manner and clear communication made them feel at ease. The client expressed their gratitude for Gavin’s hard work, as well as the support from Kim, Nina, Pete, and the rest of the team, which led to a successful outcome. If you or a loved one needs legal advice relating to military service, whether it’s for an injury, medical negligence, or another issue, our team is here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation claim assessment and will discuss funding options such as No Win, No Fee agreements, where available. 📞 Contact us today on 0808 149 9561 to speak with one of our specialist Military Claims Solicitors and find out how we can support you. #MilitaryClaims #ClientPraise 

🌟 This International Volunteers Day is a perfect moment to emphasise the importance of giving back to the communities where we live and work. At Simpson Millar, we offer all colleagues the opportunity to take one day per year to volunteer for a cause close to their hearts, without it impacting their annual leave entitlement. This policy supports engagement, fosters a sense of community, and demonstrates our commitment to making a positive impact. Volunteering for causes such as local charities, schools, and community groups helps to build stronger connections and enrich shared experiences. This year, we are proud to recognise colleagues including sinead cartwright, Bethany England, Eve French, Claire Levene, and Peter Myers, who have embraced this opportunity to make a positive difference. Encouraging our employees to volunteer helps strengthen their connection with the community and aligns with our core values. By supporting this initiative, we continue to foster a workplace rooted in positive action and social responsibility. #InternationalVolunteersDay #CommunityImpact