The Assisted Dying Debate: Ethics, Law and Practice

The Assisted Dying Debate: Ethics, Law and Practice

Following the recent write up, which showcases our upcoming study days, ‘Management for Managers’, we’re highlighting our next significant study day within the CMSUK events calendar.

On Friday 4 April 2025, located at Irwin Mitchell’s office in London, we’re inviting case managers, legal and healthcare professionals, carers, support workers, policy makers, and advocacy groups to join us for our study day, The Assisted Dying Debate: Ethics, Law, and Practice.

NHS workers and people working in the care sector, are eligible for the member rate for this study day. For more details, please email [email protected].

Why Are We Hosting the Day?

At CMSUK, we’re passionate about providing the very highest quality training and educational resources for the case management community. Following the historic proposed change in the law, where MPs backed plans to legalise assisted dying, we recognised the need to address this significant topic.

As we recognise the need to continuously support the case management sector, we are often organising study days that address recent or significant issues concerning case managers. For example, last year we hosted a study day that focused on sex, disabilities, and the law. This was organised due to an important judgement handed down by the Court of Appeal that significantly affects case managers and the sector as a whole. Those who attended found the day incredibly insightful and valuable.

To support professionals in the case management sector, we’ve invited a panel of specialists from a range of backgrounds to help delegates on the day not only gain a better understanding of different perspectives but also to debate key topics.

What Can You Expect to Learn on the Day?

Due to the importance of the topic, we’ve lined up a specialist panel to address the considerations surrounding assisted dying with the compassion, understanding, and expertise that it requires. These specialities include:


  • Alex Ruck Keene KC (Hon), 39 Essex Chambers



  • Dawn Sears, a healthcare professional who is a compassionate advocate for patient-centred, dignified end-of-life care



  • Emma Miller, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Specialist Palliative Care



  • Lucy Honeysett, a dedicated healthcare professional with over 26 years of experience



  • Professor Claire de Than, An award-winning senior legal academic



  • Yvonne Spijkerman, Clinical Director and Owner of Circle Case Management.


Through this combination of experienced multi-discipline specialists, attendees can expect to hear a range of opinions, ideas, and suggestions on this incredibly complex topic. This will be delivered through a blend of keynote talks, panel discussions, and an audience Q&A.

The day is designed to ensure you gain an insightful and balanced perspective of the topic, helping you shape your own opinion. We also understand that you want to understand how it will impact on legal frameworks, patient autonomy, and healthcare practice.

Secure your place now.

The Itinerary for the Day

09:30 – 10:00 Registration and Welcome Drinks

10:00 – 10:15 Opening Remarks

CMUSK Directors Angie Wicks and Lisa Brown introduce the objectives and structure of the day.

10:15 – 11:00 Keynote Presentation: The Legal Landscape of Assisted Dying

Alex Ruck-Keene KC presentation will address the overview of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the current legal framework and the proposed changes. It will then cover the key legal challenges and safeguards to balance patient autonomy with ethical concerns.

11:00 – 11:45 Ethical Dimensions of Assisted Dying

Professor Claire de Than explores the ethical principles underpinning the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. She’ll also assesses the challenges in implementing ethical guidelines and their societal implications.

11:45 – 12:15 Coffee Break and Networking

12:15 – 13:00 Dialogues in Death and Dying

Emma Miller summarises the culture of death in society and the importance of the conversations at the end of life.

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 14:45??Palliative Care and the Role of Healthcare Professionals

Dawn Sears explains the understanding between palliative care and assisted dying while also providing practical considerations for healthcare professionals navigating the bill.

14:45 – 15:30 Honouring the Journey: Conversations, Care, and Concerns at the End of Life

Lucy Honeysett discusses the value of listening to fears and wishes, supporting individuals with dignity, and reflecting on global practices like assisted dying to understand the ethical and emotional concerns they raise.

15:30 – 15:45 Coffee Break

15:45 – 16:30 Case Study: Life is not that simple, even for a wish!

Yvonne Spijkerman, will be sharing her personal experience of assisted dying and the heavily regulated journey her family went on from diagnosis, through to her Father's final wish. Yvonne will explain how the meticulous process created many difficult, candid conversations, and how her family was able to respect her father's decision, regardless of their own opinions and beliefs.

16:30 – 16:45 What are Death Cafés?

Experience a taster of Death Cafés at our study day - a light-hearted, interactive session designed to spark meaningful conversations through engaging activities and thought-provoking questions about life and death.

16:45 – 17:15 Interactive Q&A Panel

Attendees engage with the speakers to discuss real-world implications, ask questions, and share perspectives.

Being Part of a Thriving Community

From changing the look of our branding and website to moving to a new venue for the prestigious CMSUK awards, due to unprecedented demand, 2025 is on track to be a transformational one for CMSUK.

We have incredibly exciting plans in for CMSUK, all planned to ensure members, both corporate and individual, are getting the very most from their membership. Whether you’re currently a member or considering becoming one, we are passionate about continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities for everyone involved with case management. As part of this dedication, we’re constantly listening to our members to learn how we can improve our offering and ensure we’re catering to as many needs as we can.

Not a member yet? Join our thriving case management community.

Looking Ahead to Our Study Day

If you’d like to join us on the 4th of April 2025, you'll need to secure your spot! To do so, follow this booking link, and if you’d like any further information about the day or becoming a CMSUK member, then please contact Hayley WiIliamson.

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