On 28 October 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) launched its consultation on proposed changes to the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme. This is the first of two Government consultations, the second of which is due to be launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) at a later date (as yet undetermined) and will cover changes to the UK Package Travel Regulations. The ATOL consultation focuses on three aspects, namely: 1) proposals for strengthening the ATOL scheme and ensuring enhanced customer protection in line with Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements (PTD2); 2) reforming ATOL regulatory framework for the longer term; and 3) evaluation of the 2012 ATOL regulations.

Hill Dickinson has today announced that it has hired Iain Johnston as its first chief operating officer (COO).

It is crucial to design sustainability and transformation plans well if their good work is not to be derailed by legal challenges, writes David Hill.

A new Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes will come into force on 9 November 2016. At the launch event on 2 November Mr Justice Coulson, along with Alexander Nissan QC of The

The chief coroner’s annual report for 2016 has recently been published. The final report from the first chief coroner assesses the state of the coroner service between 2012 and 2016, and makes recommendations for the future. Rebecca Sharrock takes us through the highlights of the report.

On 26 April 2016, following a hearing of just over two years, the jury of the Hillsborough inquest concluded that the 96 Liverpool FC supporters who lost their lives at Hillsborough were unlawfully killed.

The recent case of R (on the application of Teresa Tainton) –v- HM Senior Coroner for Preston and West Lancashire addresses the directions which should be given to a jury at an Article 2 inquest. The decision raises the prospect of a much wider range of circumstances, including those which have not been shown to be causative of death, featuring in Article 2 conclusions. Specifically, this case should be considered prior to making admissions at or before an inquest. David Hill, legal director, gives an overview of the case and the impact it is likely to have.

Providing a statement to the coroner can be a daunting task especially if the death occurred some time ago. However, having a good statement will not only act as a good reminder of your involvement in the deceased’s care, but it can also make life a lot easier at the inquest itself.

In an era of rapid technological progression the last decade has seen an explosion in social media usage. Whilst social media has undoubtedly made a profound impact on the world we live in today, its widespread use also poses significant perils and legal challenges.

Thank you to all of those who attended our Inquest Forums earlier this year (February), and provided comments and feedback in relation to the coronial process. Your comments and issues were collated into one document (copies have been circulated to attendees- please contact us if you would like a copy) and passed on to the chief coroner via the NHS LA.

Important new guidance

Hill Dickinson has today announced that Peter Jackson has been elected as the firm’s first chief executive officer.