Public bodies must have role in Brexit discussions: EM Lawshare head

Public bodies need to ensure that they have a prominent place at the table during Brexit discussions, the head of EM Lawshare has said.

Commenting ahead of the consortium’s conference next week, Jayne Francis-Ward, who is also Director of Corporate Resources at Nottinghamshire County Council, said Brexit was both a risk and an opportunity.

“The movement towards devolution has seen increasing powers and funding going to local bodies, and we need to ensure that isn’t eroded by Britain leaving the EU,” she added.

EM Lawshare has 111 member organisations – including local authorities, NHS trusts, housing associations and other public entities – and partners with six law firms.

Its conference, which will take place at Holywell Park in Loughborough next Friday (14 October), will see delegates devote a significant proportion of the day to discussing what Brexit could mean for local service funding and delivery in the UK, the process of replacing EU laws that cover local services, and how public bodies can lobby most effectively to ensure their voices are heard.

The conference will be addressed by European expert QC George Peretz of Monckton Chambers as well as by futurologist Tom Cheeseman.

Francis-Ward said: “There may be great pressure on public services - but providers are also extremely resilient and committed to working together to find new and more integrated delivery solutions. The conference will be a great opportunity for members to come together and share best practice and ideas.

“EM Lawshare was founded on a simple principle: we are stronger together. That sentiment is exactly what is needed as Brexit approaches and public bodies also juggle a host of other pressing issues at home.”