Newcastle Based Kirsty Stuart Set To Chair Mental Health and Disability Committee From September

A specialist lawyer in Irwin Mitchell’s public law and human rights team is set to become chair of the Mental Health and Disability Committee of The Law Society.

Based in the Irwin Mitchell Newcastle office, Kirsty Stuart takes over the role on 1 September. For the next three years, Kirsty will guide the committee’s work in helping shape the Society’s policy on mental health and disability.

By reviewing and promoting improvements in law, practice and procedure affecting people impacted by mental health or with disabilities. The committee works to ensure their rights and equality of treatment under the law, including those with mental health needs, special educational needs and autism as well as those in vulnerable circumstances.

The committee promotes and develops legal services for people subject to the Mental Capacity and Mental Health Acts, in addition to reviewing the role and operation of the Law Society Mental Health Tribunal Accreditation and MCA (Welfare) Accreditation Schemes.

Expert Opinion

“It’s a huge honour to be appointed as chair of a committee that does such important work and I can’t wait to get started. The work of the committee covers a vital area and it’s a big responsibility for me and everyone else involved.

“As a mother with children with SEN needs, the work of this committee has a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to playing my part in ensuring our work helps guide the approach to the needs of those living with mental health and other disabilities.

“The committee is expected to share its expertise as well as advise the Law Society on these matters and the next few years represent an exciting opportunity to use our position to ensure some of the most vulnerable in society have the best possible professional support.” Kirsty Stuart - Senior Associate Solicitor

A specialist in mental health and mental capacity law, Kirsty continues to advise detained patients, family members and hospitals, as well as being the firm’s point of contact for in-house mental health law advice.

Recently, Kirsty was instructed by a mum to investigate the care her son was receiving at a privately run hospital, also known as an assessment and treatment unit (ATU), where he had been detained behind a hatch for more than four years.