A new checklist has been created to support legal professionals in choosing a case manager in brain injury or complex conditions cases.
The checklist outlines a set of criteria case managers should meet in order to be appointed to such cases, and is aimed at solicitors, paralegals and deputies to help them appoint the right person for their client’s individual needs.
The initiative has been developed by BABICM as part of its ongoing commitment to set the highest standards within the sector and and further professionalise case management.
Its work also comes in support of the ongoing development of the profession by the Institute of Registered Case Managers (IRCM), which is setting a host of stringent technical and professional standards to enable Professional Standards Authority (PSA) accreditation.
The 16-point checklist was created by BABICM’s Professional Practice and Membership Group (PPMG) and builds on the existing guidance available to legal professionals through the organisation’s website.
“While we prepare guidance, support and information to our practicing case manager members, we also try and do the same for the wider membership whenever we can, which includes personal injury lawyers and deputies,” says Anna Watkiss, chair of the PPMG.
“I’d imagine it could be quite hard sometimes in making the decision of which case manager to appoint, so the checklist has been created to put a support framework in place for that.
“Lawyers and deputies of course want their clients with brain injuries or complex conditions to have the best care they can get, and this checklist is an embodiment of that, and adds further to the existing documents and best practice benchmarks we have in place.
“We are committed to ensuring the integrity of people working with adults and children and this checklist is another supporting document in doing that.”
The checklist offers points for consideration including registration, data protection, insurance and how the relationship would be built between the case manager and the client and appointing professional alike.
“This was put together by the whole PPMG, different members took on different elements, then we reviewed as a group and agreed it as a group,” says Anna.
“The aim of the PPMG is to ensure we are offering best practice, or are working towards that standard, as part of our commitment to professionalise the industry. That is the reason I got into this group, to make the role as professional as possible.
“This checklist is another step in us doing that.”
