New head of Learning and Development Department appointed at Simpson Millar

Law firm welcomes industry heavyweight Alex Hockett

Alex Hockett has appointed as national consumer law firm, Simpson Millar’s, new Head of Learning and Development (L&D).

Bringing more than 10 years’ experience in the professional development industry to the role having previously worked as the Strategic People Lead at the Housing Association, Accent Group, and as a Regional Training Partner at insurance company, LV=.

Based out of Leeds, Alex will spearhead the firm’s comprehensive learning and development initiatives for both solicitors and support staff located across the country, operating within its three core legal practice areas of Family, Public and Injury.

Her appointment forms part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to investing in the development of its colleagues, including providing opportunities for everyone across the business to progress their careers and meet their personal and professional objectives.

She will also oversee the roll out of training for Simpson Millar’s new transformation programe which includes significant enhancements to its current systems and processes that will enhance the client journey, and allow its legal teams to focus on case work and customer care.

As part of this activity, the firm has invested heavily in its call centre and its marketing. It is also introducing automated processes that will reduce the administrative burden of the legal work.

Alex is also joined by two additional new starters within the Learning and Development team -experienced Experienced training and development advisor Alison Holding-Jones, who joins as Learning and Development Business Partner, and Stephanie Thorp who has been appointed as a Learning and Development Coordinator.

Commenting on the appointments, and the expansion of the firm’s L&D team, Simpson Millar’s Director ofPeople, Helen Sutton, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Alexandra, Alison and Stephanie to our L&D team.

“As a business we place a huge amount of emphasis on training, learning and development. We are heavily invested in enabling our colleagues to progress their careers at a pace that is right for them, and to have the necessary skills in place to best meet the needs of our clients.

“Ensuring that they have access to the support and necessary tools to facilitate that is incredibly important, and these appointments reflect our commitment to that.”

Alex added: “I am excited to be joining the Simpson Millar team. The firm has a real focus on the personal and professional needs of its people, and that really shines through in the way that they embrace the learning and development of all collegues from across the business.

“While many businesses that have embraced remote and flexible working have lost sight of the importance of bringing teams together at pivotal moments throughout the year, Simpson Millar has managed to maintain that sense of camaraderie and peer-to-peer support.

“That was immediately evident during the induction process – a key deliverable for the L&D team – when all of the new starters were able to come together to learn about the history, vision and value of ths company.

“I am now looking forward to building on those foundations that are already in place, and to helping to support the development of both our people, and our performance.”