Blog
Fire Safety: How does a Director avoid becoming an irresponsible ‘Responsible Person’?
Hannah Eales
“She always exceeds expectations”
A client
Hannah is a barrister in the Regulatory team. She is an experienced advocate and a regulatory, health and safety and criminal law specialist. She has a broad practice, acting both for regulatory bodies and representing those who appear before them, as well as prosecuting and defending in the criminal courts. She regularly advises on all aspects of criminal, health and safety and regulatory law.
Hannah spent 8 years at the Criminal and Regulatory Bar prior to joining Kingsley Napley. Hannah’s defence work ranged from defending individuals charged with offences under the Sexual Offences Act, wounding with intent, through to drugs importation.
Her career has included prosecuting on behalf of the CPS, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency, DWP, DEFRA, local authorities and Probation. Hannah continues to advise a range of regulators, corporates and individuals in relation to private prosecutions. Hannah has a particular expertise in Fire Safety law having prosecuted on behalf of Fire and Rescue Authorities in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal. She recently spoke at Firex at the Excel in relation to Fire Safety case law.
In the field of professional discipline Hannah has acted for some of the leading regulatory bodies, including the Health and Care Professions Council, the National College for Teaching and Leadership, the Education and Workforce Council, the General Optical Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Security Industry Authority.
Having acted for both the prosecution and defence throughout her career Hannah fully understands the effects proceedings may have on the individual or prosecuting body. She is known for being a thoughtful and fair advocate, whilst always seeking the best outcome for the client.
Hannah regularly speaks at events relating to regulation and private prosecutions. She has written several articles for journals and other publications.
Hannah was a legal adviser to the Magistrates’ Court prior to joining the Bar.
recent work
- Hannah is regularly instructed to present on behalf of regulatory bodies in relation to serious, complex and high profile hearings. She acted for the Nursing and Midwifery Council in relation to two senior nurses at the Mid-Staffordshire Trust following the Francis Inquiry. The nurses were the first to be struck off following the inquiry.
- Hannah has appeared before the Court of Appeal in relation to the important issue of custodial sentences being passed in cases under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Hannah recently acted for the National College for Teaching and Leadership in relation to a Head teacher who was prohibited from teaching following findings that she dishonestly abused the school’s financial procedures for personal financial gain.
- Hannah has recently advised two national regulators on the considerations relevant to the lawful use of criminal investigation and enforcement powers.
Professional societies and Memberships
- Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association
- Young Public Law Group (Committee Member)
- Victims of Crime Association of Lawyers
- International Association of Prosecutors
- Criminal Bar Association
