Day 1:
The Society of Will Writers (SWW) Annual Conference 2025 brought together members, partners, and professionals from across the estate planning and private client sectors for two inspiring days at the Hilton East Midlands.
Under this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together”, the sessions reflected the Society’s continued commitment to collaboration, high standards, and consumer protection in a time of rapid legal change. From updates on professional standards and Will reform to powerful real-life advocacy, the 2025 conference offered delegates both technical insight and human perspective.
Opening Addresses – Anthony Belcher, SWW Managing Director
The conference opened with Anthony Belcher, Managing Director of the SWW, who reflected on a year of growth, adaptation, and ambition for the Society.
Anthony began by highlighting how 2025 has been a year of evolution for the organisation. The Society’s team is now the largest it has ever been, supported by new hires, upgraded systems, and a stronger framework for membership management and compliance.
Membership remains above 1,700, with a rise in younger professionals and more women taking on senior and regional leadership roles. Anthony also highlighted growth in training and mentoring, including the ongoing success of SWW webinars, a refreshed College programme, and revamped regional structures.
Reviewing the CMA’s transparency guidance one year on, he noted how well members have adopted its principles to strengthen consumer trust and manage complaints more effectively.
He also discussed the Law Commission’s proposals to modernise wills law, including electronic wills, remote witnessing, abolishing the rule that marriage revokes a will, and reducing the minimum age from 18 to 16.
Anthony highlighted how these changes and reforms could reshape how we practise, established that it is vital we continue to lead the conversation.
Address from the Chairman – Antony Brinkman
SWW Chairman Antony Brinkman followed up with an update from the Professional Standard Board (PSB), who’s work underpins the Society’s reputation for professionalism and accountability.
He spoke about ongoing projects, including developments of lifetime trust guidance, the strengthening of fellow memberships criteria, and the mentoring initiative launched to support members at every career stage.
Antony reaffirmed the PSB’s role as both guardian of standards and a resource for practitioners seeking advice.
Larke v Nugus: Lessons from the Case Law – Stephanie Kerr, Irwin Mitchell LLP
Stephanie Kerr, Partner at Irwin Mitchell LLP, delivered an insightful session on the landmark case Larke v Nugus, which set the standard for disclosure in will disputes. She traced how its principles have developed through modern cases such as Gardiner v Tabot [2020] and Addison v Niaz [2024], emphasising that Will drafters must respond promptly and fully to disclosure requests.
Her key message was the importance of thorough file management and documentation, keeping detailed notes, recording reasons for exclusions, and securing client authority for disclosure. Stephanie also highlighted the balance between confidentiality, privilege, and GDPR, warning that poor or delayed responses can result in cost orders and reputational damage.
Her takeaway: the will-drafter is a material witness, and every file should be prepared as if it may one day be examined in court.
Predatory Marriage and the Fight for Reform – Daphne Franks
Daphne Franks delivered one of the conference’s most moving sessions as she shared the story of her mother, Joan Blass, who was secretly married at 91 while living with advanced vascular dementia, a case that left her family disinherited and exposed the dangers of predatory marriage.
Daphne highlighted serious failings in how the law protects vulnerable adults, noting that in England and Wales, marriage still automatically revokes a will. Her campaign, now in its eighth year, has been instrumental in driving reform: the Law Commission’s 2025 report directly referenced her case and recommends abolishing that rule.
Having delivered nearly 300 talks and even spoken at the United Nations in Geneva, Daphne continues to campaign for better safeguarding and awareness. As she told delegates, “This change will stop the law protecting predators and ensure no one else goes through what we did.”.
Bravery or Foolhardy? Risk and Reward in Estate Planning – Nick Ash TEP.
Nick Ash TEP brought his trademark candour and humour to a session on risk in estate planning, urging practitioners to take a proactive approach to client and business risk management.
He outlined how firms should assess risks, from verifying client identity and capacity to reviewing their own competence and insurance cover, and recommended using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to monitor and mitigate them.
Through real-life examples, including turning down a £75,000 estate due to uninsurable cross-border risks and a case where poor capacity checks led to costly disputes, Nick highlighted the value of sound judgment over bravado.
His key message was simple: Know your client. Keep things simple. Don’t sell complexity, sell good advice. Risk is real, but if managed well, it becomes your friend. He also reminded delegates of the compliance and support services available through W&P Professional.
Lasting Power of Attorney Update: Law, Practice, and Digital Transition – Caroline Bielanska
The day ended with an in-depth update on Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), one of the fastest-evolving areas in private client work.
Delegates were briefed on the forthcoming rollout of digital LPAs, which will include a six-month transition period. Under the new system, donors will pay fees before the certificate provider signs, and while the donor’s signature must still be witnessed in person, the attorneys will no longer need to be.
Highlights from the Office of the Public Guardian’s 2024-25 Annual Report showed over 9.3 million LPAs and EPAs registered, shorter processing times, and improved service delivery, though investigations continue to rise.
The session also covered revocation requirements, capacity to revoke, and the responsibilities of skills-based certificate providers, stressing independence and thorough record-keeping. A discussion on Discretionary Fund Management reinforced the need for explicit authority and careful delegation, a reminder that precision and documentation remain essential in managing clients’ long-term affairs.
Day 2: Workshops in Practice
After a thought-provoking opening day of keynote talks and sector updates, Day Two of the Society of Will Writers 2025 Conference turned its focus to hands-on-learning.
Traditionally the “workshop day”, this year’s sessions gave delegates the opportunity to dive deeper into three essential themes for modern practice including, risk management, cyber security, and work with vulnerable clients.
Each workshop blended practical advice with real world examples, equipping attendees with strategies they could take straight back into their firms.
Abigail Meades (Marsh Commercial) and Kate French (Hiscox UK) led the first session on risk management, guiding attendees through identifying, mitigating, and reviewing business risks. They stressed that effective risk management is an ongoing process, not a box-ticking exercise, and vital to maintaining professional credibility.
The second workshop, with Darren Chapman of CyberScale, tackled cybersecurity. He distinguished between compliance and genuine cyber resilience, explored governance structures, and discussed Cyber Essentials, ISO Standards, and the growing AI risk landscape. Delegates were reminded that cybersecurity is a business issue, not just an IT concern.
The final workshop, led by Paige Gouldthorpe of Fosters Solicitors, focused on understanding and applying the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when working with vulnerable clients. Paige outlined the five core principles of the MCA, compared LPA and deputyship routes, and shared practical tips for assessing capacity and supporting clients compassionately and effectively.
Sponsors
The Society would also like to extend its sincere thanks to this year’s conference sponsors and exhibitors, whose continued support helps make the event possible. Their commitment to the profession and to the work of the SWW ensures that members have access to the latest tools, knowledge, and innovations driving the industry forward.
A special thank you goes to The Property Ladder Group, WillPack, YEPP Ltd, Meridian Private Client Solicitors, SWW Trust Corporation, Marsh Commercial, WillSuite, Peleman Industries NV, The National Will Register, Safe4 Information Management Limited, Legal Growth, IDR Law, ZEDRA, Today’s Wills & Probate, The National Archives, and The Estate Planner’s Toolkit for their invaluable contributions and ongoing partnership.
Their presence throughout the event, from exhibitions and discussions to networking sessions, added tremendous value, reminding us that collaboration between practitioners, suppliers, and supporters remains at the heart of the Society’s success.
Gallery
We were once again delighted to have the talented Dan Wray with us at the 2025 Conference, capturing the energy and spirit of the event throughout both days. From engaging workshop moments to lively networking sessions and the evening dinner, Dan was there to document it all.
A selection of his photographs, featuring highlights from our speakers, sponsors, and delegates, has been uploaded to the 2025 Conference Gallery, where members can relive some of the best moments from another successful year.
Closing Reflections
From managing professional risk to advocating for legal reform, every speaker echoed the same underlying message: that progress in the Will writing and estate planning profession comes through education, collaboration, and ethical practice.
The SWW Conference 2025 captured that spirit perfectly, proving once again that, as the Society continues to grow and modernise, it does so with a clear vision: moving forward together.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all members, speakers and partners who joined us for another inspiring year. Your engagement and enthusiasm continue to drive the Society’s mission and strengthen or professional community.
It was a true delight to come together once again, to share ideas, celebrate progress, and learn from one another, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the SWW Conference 2026, where we will continue our journey of growth, innovation, and shared purpose.
