Laura Carter, Head of Fraud Customer Experience, and  Nikki Walters, Fraud Risk Engagement Manager, Santander UK

Fraud and scams are growing more sophisticated, making awareness essential. Santander’s Laura Carter and Nikki Walters will share key insights into how scams work, warning signs to watch for and how deputies can help protect vulnerable clients. With decades of experience in fraud prevention and risk management, they will offer practical steps to spot, prevent and respond to fraud.

Martin Hewitt, Founder of the Adaptive Grand Slam

Martin’s story is nothing short of inspiring. A former commissioned officer in HM Parachute Regiment with operational experience in the Middle East, Martin was injured in combat, sustaining gunshot wounds to the chest and foot while leading his men. Despite these life-changing injuries, Martin turned to elite sport, representing Great Britain in Paralympic Downhill Ski Racing at the World Championships.

After leaving the military, Martin founded the Adaptive Grand Slam project, where he led disabled teams to climb the highest peaks on each of the seven continents and walk unsupported to both the North and South Poles. His incredible journey has been featured on BBC documentaries like Harry’s Arctic Heroes and Without Limits. Martin is also close to completing the Adaptive Grand Slam, having successfully summited Everest, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Denali, and Vinson, among others.

We are truly honoured to have Martin with us today, and we can’t wait to hear him share his powerful story.

Simon Callow, Chief Investment Officer, and Anthony Holt, Director of Investments

As a deputy, you often face tricky investment questions from clients. This session is designed to address those questions directly. Experts from Ascencia Investment Management will share how they navigate market shifts, manage risk, and protect client investments. You’ll also gain insights into building portfolios with the right mix of risk and goals, as well as how political and economic events impact investments. Plus, submit your questions in advance for a tailored discussion focused on the challenges that matter most to you and your clients.

Lauren Walsh, Welfare Benefits Manager and Specialist, Frenkel Topping Limited

Lauren is a benefits specialist providing expert advice and guidance on a range of issues including disability and sickness benefits, Universal Credit, personal injury payments, benefits for people from abroad, tax credits, support with housing costs, and benefits for people receiving care services. Her session will focus on the importance of these benefits for vulnerable clients. This workshop will be an invaluable opportunity to gain insights, enhance your understanding, and ask all your pressing questions about welfare benefits.

Elisabeth Stroud, Tax Manager at Equatas Accountants

Elisabeth will lead an interactive session on tax compliance for vulnerable clients, focusing on how Deputies and Trustees can manage tax affairs, file returns on time, and resolve any issues with HMRC. She’ll share real-life examples of common HMRC challenges and practical ways to overcome them. Elisabeth will also discuss who needs to file tax returns, how to contact HMRC, and what to do if something goes wrong or there are backdated taxes involved. The session will be interactive, with plenty of chances for questions throughout. With experience at Deloitte’s expat team, Elisabeth brings expert knowledge on foreign income and UK tax matters, offering clear and actionable advice.

Stephanie Kaye, Partner, Clarion Solicitors and Paul Cruickshanks, Head of Court of Protection, A&M Bacon

Join Stephanie Kaye, Partner at Clarion Solicitors, and Paul Cruickshanks, Head of Court of Protection at A&M Bacon, for a practical session on managing Court of Protection legal costs effectively. Stephanie and Paul bring extensive expertise in cost management, offering clear strategies to tackle common issues, recent developments, and key challenges in the field. The session will also include a Q&A, giving you the chance to ask the experts your most pressing questions. Designed to simplify complex cost issues, this workshop will provide the knowledge and strategies you need to manage legal costs with confidence.

Fay Collinson, Barrister, Kings Chambers

Hosting the case study session will be Fay Collinson. A specialist in Court of Protection property and affairs work, with extensive experience in complex cases involving statutory wills, gifting, and disputes around deputies and attorneys. Chair of the Northern Property and Affairs Association and known for clear, practical advice that supports deputies in their role.

Kate Edwards, Director, Fletchers Solicitors

With nearly 20 years of experience, Kate Edwards has worked on a wide range of complex cases, including high-profile deputyships, financial abuse investigations, and intricate family disputes. As the founder of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA), she has been instrumental in shaping best practices in the field and advocating for excellence in Court of Protection work. Her expertise and leadership have played a key role in the rapid growth of Fletchers’ department, where she continues to drive innovation and provide invaluable support to clients navigating complex legal and financial matters.

Jemma Morland, CO Founder, EMG Solicitors

Jemma is the Co-Founder of EMG Solicitors | B Corp™ and a nationally recognised expert in Court of Protection matters, listed in the Legal 500. She leads EMG Solicitors’ Court of Protection Property and Affairs team, described as one of the finest in the country. A first-tier APIL-listed expert, Jemma is a Professional Deputy and frequently provides expert witness evidence in high-value, multi-track catastrophic injury cases.
This standout case study session will feature four experienced Court of Protection specialists, each sharing real-life case studies. It is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical insights and engage in meaningful discussions with leading professionals in the field.

Michael Knott Senior Practice Director, Slater and Gordon

We’re excited to announce Michael Knott as part of our case study session Michael is Senior Practice Director at Slater and Gordon and National Practice Head of S&G’s Private Client Division, with over 35 years of experience. He specialises in the financial management of catastrophic spinal and brain injury cases and is a recognised expert witness. Michael’s expertise includes complex financial management, tax strategies, contested deputyship matters, and international repatriation. He has also lectured on legal and investment protocols following key judgments.

J E Bennet Law, Managing Partner and Founder, J E Bennett Law

Jane is a leading figure in Court of Protection, ranked among the top 25 lawyers nationally in Chambers Rankings and one of only six lawyers in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. As the founder of JE Bennett Law, she has built a firm known for excellence, ranked as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500 for seven years. With extensive experience as an expert witness in catastrophic personal injury and CICA claims, Jane will offer valuable insights into complex CoP cases.

Saoirse de Bont, Senior Associate at Irwin Mitchell

Saoirse specialises in Court of Protection matters and represents vulnerable adults in health and welfare disputes and challenges unlawful decisions by public bodies through judicial review. Saoirse is regularly appointed by the court as an Accredited Legal Representative and was named Solicitor of the Year at the 2024 Greater Manchester Pro Bono Awards. She will share real-life case studies and take part in a Q&A, offering valuable insights into key legal challenges.