M·E·L Research Awarded Contract to Deliver Legal Services Board Public Panel Until 2028
M·E·L Research Ltd, a leading market research agency known for its expertise in regulatory and policy development, has been awarded the contract to deliver the Legal Services Board (LSB) Public Panel until 2028. This solidifies M·E·L Research’s position as a trusted legal services market research partner in shaping the future of legal services regulation in England and Wales.
The LSB and the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) commissioned the Public Panel to ensure that the voices of the public are effectively integrated into decision-making processes that impact the legal services sector. The panel will play a crucial role in supporting the development of evidence-based regulatory policies, helping to ensure that the legal services market better meets the needs of society, with a particular focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and consumer protection. The Panel is also available for legal services regulators and other stakeholders to contract with directly.
M·E·L Research’s extensive experience with diverse public panels, as well as their work in the legal services market research sector, positions the company as a uniquely qualified partner for this important initiative.
Elliot Simmonds, Client Solutions Director at M·E·L Research, commented:
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with the LSB and LSCP, supporting their commitment to creating a legal services market that is more accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of consumers. Our experience in conducting high-quality, impactful research, including work with vulnerable groups and communities, will ensure that this panel continues to capture diverse public insights that directly inform policy and regulation in this critical sector.”
Established in 2020, the Public Panel has been instrumental in gathering public insight on a wide range of legal services issues, from consumer vulnerabilities to perceptions of legal expenses insurance. Going forward, M·E·L Research will adopt flexible methodologies to engage with a diverse range of participants, including vulnerable groups and individuals with varying legal capabilities, ensuring that the Public Panel remains an invaluable resource for the LSB and LSCP.
The first project under the new contract will explore consumer protections in the legal services sector, focusing on issues such as compensation and insurance arrangements in cases of provider negligence or misconduct. The Public Panel will engage with the public through a variety of methods, including online forums, citizen juries, and quantitative surveys, to provide insights that will inform future regulatory decisions.
M·E·L Research’s proven track record in legal services market research and supporting regulatory bodies, including their work with the Bar Standards Board and the Enforcement Conduct Board, underscores their expertise in delivering research that drives tangible improvements in consumer outcomes and sector standards.
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