The Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO) runs a secondment programme for its members which provides trainees with valuable insights into the wider civil justice system.
Jamie Noble, trainee solicitor at Minster Law, joined ACSO in December 2020 for six months. He had the following to say on the ACSO secondment programme:
“My secondment from Minster Law, one of the leaders in the UK personal injury marker and a founding member of ACSO, has been a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the important work that the association undertakes.
“My time spent working alongside Matthew, Charles, Ben, Rachel, Anna and my fellow secondee Jonothan from Lyons Davidson, has given me access to experiences that would not normally be available for a trainee solicitor. For this, I am immensely grateful.
“I have been provided with detailed insights into a broad spectrum of areas from across the civil justice system, thereby providing me with a deeper understanding of the current and future challenges faced by our sector.
“My time at ACSO has coincided with a monumental change in personal injury, with the implementation of the long-awaited Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal due on the 31st May 2021. ACSO has been a leading voice in highlighting the effects of the OIC portal upon consumers, particularly litigants in person. It’s been a privilege to assist in its work on this issue, whether that be the facilitation of industry-wide discussions or engagement with government, policymakers, regulators and others.
“In addition, ACSO works across a number of other areas to ensure that the interests of the consumer are given a voice. This includes the rehabilitation needs of claimants, advocating the increased use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and helping to ensure barriers to accessing justice are removed.
“ACSO is unique in the makeup of its membership and the way it operates. It’s been a brilliant opportunity to contribute to its goals.
“On a personal level, the ACSO team have been very supportive, and I thank them for making me feel so welcome. In addition, I have engaged with a wide range of ACSO members. The collected wisdom of so many leaders in their respective fields gives weight to ACSO’s work and standing.
“My six months at ACSO has been a great experience. The changing nature of the civil justice system and the challenges facing consumers has shown the importance of ACSO’s work. I am unable to think of a better organisation to contribute to the development of the civil justice system into the future”.
If you are an ACSO member and are interested in learning more about the ACSO secondment programme, please do not hesitate to contact rachel.cairnes@acso.org.uk.