APIL’s new president praised the sector’s ability to adapt to the challenges faced during the coronavirus outbreak in his inaugural speech today (Thursday).
“It has been very impressive, I think, to see how quickly firms - and, I can tell you, APIL - have adapted to a new way of working, so that we can all continue to provide a service to at least one vulnerable section of society - injured people,” said Sam Elsby, who takes the helm as APIL marks its 30th anniversary.
Mr Elsby addressed members in his inaugural speech at the association’s ‘virtual’ annual general meeting today. APIL’s AGM usually takes place during the annual conference in the Spring, but due to current Government guidance the conference has now been rescheduled for November.
“We have not allowed the crisis to knock us off track and all at APIL are working hard to maintain our services to injured people and to our valued members,” he said.
APIL has been proactive in ensuring the justice system continues to work during the crisis by collaborating with other organisations on temporary protocols, delivering remote training, and supporting members with updates and information.
He highlighted the adaptability of APIL’s training programme, which ensures injured people get the very best legal service; the organisation’s consistent level of responses to Government consultations; the robust political lobbying and interaction with the media; and the research facility which underpins all the association’s policy positions.
“It’s often APIL’s role to put the position of the potential injury victim to the front of policy; to clarify legal issues and, politically, to challenge some populist language, tropes and assumptions that can creep into Government documents,” he said.
“We are taking some giant steps forward in the coming months,” said Mr Elsby. “I have no doubt that some new challenges will face our sector and equally no doubt that APIL will face up to those challenges.”