Paula Barnes

Secretary

Paula is a senior qualified solicitor with over 25 years’ experience in clinical negligence. In more recent years she has acquired expertise in community care, education and public law matters. She has been extensively involved in the conduct of clinical negligence claims at all levels to include cerebral palsy claims in the High Court and Court of Appeal. She has also conducted many community care claims challenging local authorities and healthcare providers in relation to the failure to provide services and support to the most vulnerable in our society. Paula is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) as well as a Law Society Clinical Negligence panel member and examiner. Paula was previously the Chairperson of Rainbow Centre in Fareham so has been a trustee directly involved in a service very similar to ours.

Being a trustee enables you to put your skills and experience to new use in an entirely different context and, although a cliché, to try and make a difference to other peoples lives. I have spent my entire professional career spanning some 30 years working in the disability sector as a Solicitor practising in the fields of Health and Social Care and Clinical Negligence. I am passionate about the need for early intervention for children affected by brain injury. Sadly this can be difficult to access. Centre’s like Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity therefore offer something truly special supporting children and their families with not only Conductive Education but other therapies and much needed support. It is an absolute privilege to be part of such an amazing charity.

Paula Barnes