Dealing with the present and preparing for the future
£200 + VAT (member) / £250 + VAT (non-member)
We are delighted to be returning to the Hilton Glasgow* for the first in our Scots Law 2025 Conference Series, exclusively available to delegates in person on the day.
Our new conference, chaired by Katherine Metcalfe of Pinsent Masons, will cover a range of topics from the role of the HSE in Scotland, sentencing and the future of fire safety to FAIs and AI in Health & Safety.
An expert panel of speakers will join Katherine, including Gavin Anderson KC from Compass Chambers, Deborah Carroll from COPFS, Clare Bone of Brodies, Anne-Louise McCusker from the Health & Safety Executive, Barney Ross of Compass Chambers and BTO’s Ramsay Hall.
Questions to be considered will include
- what is the COPFS Health and Safety Investigation Unit currently working on?
- what are the hot topics emerging from recent determinations in FAIs?
- what is the potential impact in Scotland of the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations?
- how does the HSE interact with the civil courts in Scotland?
- what measures can businesses implement to demonstrate compliance with Martyn’s Law?
What's being covered?
COPFS Health and Safety Investigation Unit update
This session will update delegates on the work of the COPFS Health and Safety Investigation Unit and the investigation and prosecution of large and complex health and safety investigations.
Deborah Carroll, COPFS
Fatal Accident Inquiries – an update
Aspects of preparation and presentation of FAIs for the health and safety lawyer will be considered. This will include disclosure of evidence, agreement of evidence and use of prior statements as evidence. Delegates will also be updated on hot topics emerging from recent determinations.
Gavin Anderson KC
The Legal Services Division at HSE
Recent changes in LSD in England and Wales resulting in decisions to prosecute being made by lawyers rather than HSE Investigators will be considered. The differences between investigations in Scotland and those in England and Wales will be examined along with the challenges which emanate for HSE from working in two jurisdictions. HSE’s interaction with Scottish Civil Courts and its relationship with Solicitor Agents will also be discussed.
Anne Louise McCusker, Health and Safety Executive
Health risks in the construction industry
Construction remains a high risk industry not just in respect of fatal and serious injuries but for health risks too. In this session we will look at some of the key risks, including exposure to asbestos, dust and noise, how to manage them and the repercussions of failing to do so.
Clare Bone, Brodies
The future of fire safety post-Grenfell
The Grenfell Inquiry comprehensively condemned the system of regulating fire and building safety in the UK. This session will examine the key recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report and the UK Government’s response. It will consider the potential impact in Scotland and the reforms already implemented by the Scottish Government.
Katherine Metcalfe, Pinsent Masons
Sentencing update
Barney Ross, Compass Chambers
Martyn’s law – regulation and enforcement
This session will cover Martyn’s law with an explanation of the current status of the legislation and its scope. There will be a discussion of the regulatory responsibility assigned to the Security Industry Authority including its powers of investigation and enforcement options. The measures that businesses can implement to demonstrate compliance will also be explored.
Ramsay Hall, BTO
*A reduced parking rate of £10 per car is available onsite at the hotel. A code will be issued during the conference which can be entered into the pay station when paying before leaving the car park.
