Modernising Lasting Powers of Attorney – Have your say!

Posted on15 May 2023

The Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) are working on a project to modernise Lasting Powers of Attorney and are looking for volunteers to help with the design and development of the future service.

The Modernise Lasting Powers of Attorney (MLPA) project aims to:

Increase safeguards for the donor
Improve the process of making and registering an LPA for donors, attorneys and third parties
Achieve sustainability for OPG whilst keeping LPAs as affordable as possible for all people in society

The MPLA team are starting to focus on the needs of those who support others to make an LPA and are looking to undertake the next phase of codesign and research sessions. This is an opportunity for your Local Law Society, and your members, to get involved in the iterative design and development of the future paper and digital channels the Powers of Attorney Bill will facilitate.

The team are keen for the involvement and insight of the profession to ensure that the service meets both the need of organisations, and the needs of those you and your members help and support. A range of activities will be taking place over spring/summer 2023 (online and in person) – and there are no specific time commitments needed from volunteers. The research plan will be built based upon the responses received, and the team are particularly keen to explore opportunities to visit places of work.

Interested parties can register here by the end of May to get involved.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS