The Great Winter Discussion
(and Christmas Networking)
Tuesday 3 December 2024
16.00 – 19.00
Venue: No. 5 Barristers' Chambers,
103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG
Topic: "Are the UK Government's efforts to combat fraud sufficient; is the public sector leading by example or does the burden lie more with the private sector and should the private sector be doing more?"
AGENDA
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16.00
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Registration and networking
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16.30
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Welcome & introduction
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16.45
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Discussion and audience participation using slido
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17.40
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Questions from the audience
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17.50
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Closing remarks
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18.00
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Free drinks reception hosted by our Young Professionals Team
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The discussion will be chaired by Michelle Heeley KC from No. 5 Chambers and panellists include:
- Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands
- Matthew Field, Head of Fraud Advisory Panel
- Terry Davies, Director at Asset Reality
- Charlotte Brown, Underwriting Counter Fraud Manager, NFU Mutual
Audience participation is, as always, most welcome and encouraged!
The MFF is also happy to take questions from attendees in advance if there is a particular question or point that you would like the panellist speakers to discuss.
As this event is organised by our Young Professional Team and we would encourage you to send a junior member of your team to this event.
Chair mini bio
Michelle Heeley KC, No. 5 Chambers
Michelle Heeley KC took Silk in 2017, to become at the time the youngest criminal Silk in the country. She was appointed Leader of the Midland Circuit in 2021, the youngest Leader in history.
Michelle is regularly instructed by the Complex Casework Unit and prosecuting division for the Serious Organised Crime Agency to prosecute large scale, multi handed cases involving complex legal issues. Michelle is renowned for her team player attitude, taking responsibility for the case as a whole when required.
Michelle undertakes private defence work, and has represented defendants from all aspects of life, ranging from former England football players, national journalists, to teachers charged with serious sexual allegations She is noted for her particular expertise in rape cases and in dealing with Vulnerable witnesses. As part of her Circuit responsibilities Michelle trains other Advocates in the questioning of vulnerable witnesses.
Michelle is regularly instructed in legal aid matters, in particular murder cases, both prosecution and defence, particularly those involving youths, she is noted for her ability to deal with young and vulnerable clients and witnesses.
Michelle regularly undertakes advisory work in respect of cases being considered for appeal, she will draft skeleton arguments on appeal, and then take the matter to the full court.
Michelle is also instructed in cases defending Police officers charged with criminal offences. She is renowned for her client care skills and ability to relate to people from all walks of life.
Michelle often deals with inquests from which criminal proceedings could or do arise. She is well versed in the best manner to protect clients from potential criminal liability.
Shortlisted Legal 500 Criminal Silk of the year 2022
Panellist’s mini bios
Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands
Simon Foster was first elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands on 6 May 2021.
He was re-elected for a second term on 2 May 2024.
Simon’s career in the law started 44 years ago. He practised as a solicitor for 35 years and was a partner in a law firm for 22 years.
He has lived, worked and brought his family up in the West Midlands for 38 years.
Matthew Field, Head of Fraud Advisory Panel
Matthew was an investigator in law enforcement before moving to a strategic and counter fraud lead role in central government.
As Head of the Fraud Advisory Panel, Matthew is passionate about fraud prevention and believes collaboration and education are two of the most important tools at our disposal to drive change in the fight against economic crime.
Charlotte Brown, Fraud Manager, NFU Mutual Insurance
Charlotte is an established expert in insurance fraud with over 20 years of experience. She began her career as a solicitor where she gained extensive expertise in defending insurance fraud cases in civil court, before moving in-house at a top-10 insurer, working across claims and application fraud. Charlotte collaborates regularly with the police and the Insurance Fraud Bureau to identify and pursue both opportunistic and organised fraudsters. She is actively involved in several financial services working groups and industry organisations, working to enhance efforts in preventing insurance fraud across the sector.
Terry Davies, Special Project Lead, Asset Reality
Terry was a Detective Chief Inspector within Merseyside Police, with over 20 years experience, primarily in CID posts, including Covert Intelligence and RASSO. Terry's main focus (and passion) throughout his career has, however, been Economic Crime. Terry proudly headed Merseyside Police's Economic Crime Team which incorporates a Proceeds of Crime Unit, a Complex Fraud Investigation Unit, and Financial Abuse Safeguarding hub.
Terry was also a nationally accredited Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, a Negotiator Coordinator for the force and a Counter Terrorism Negotiator also.
Prior to joining the Police, Terry had a successful 15 year career in the banking sector, primarily joint venture motor finance initiatives both with Forward Trust and Bank of Scotland. He worked his way through from Office Junior via Sales, Underwriting and finally Relationship Management before deciding to take the plunge into public service.
