07 March 2025
LSA Gives Evidence at the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry
Last Tuesday, Legal Services Agency (LSA) gave evidence at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s justice impact hearings.
The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is investigating, independent of government, the devolved strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a view to identifying lessons for the future and making recommendations to the Scottish Government. The justice impact hearings are gathering evidence on the effects of the pandemic on the Scottish justice system and individuals’ ability to access justice during that time.
LSA was represented by Aaliya Seyal (Chief Executive), Alastair Houston (Partner in the Housing & General Court Department), and Aileen Miller (Partner in the Mental Health Department). Aaliya, Alastair, and Aileen provided the Inquiry with evidence on the impact of the pandemic on Legal Services Agency’s work.
As a law centre committed to working for social justice and advocating for human rights, LSA were grateful for the opportunity to contribute our perspective and frontline experience to the Inquiry’s investigation.
Aaliya discussed difficulties posed by the pandemic from an operational and strategic perspective and the adjustments made in order to continue providing LSA’s essential services during lockdowns. Aaliya highlighted the importance of engaging with third-sector organisations and investing in their infrastructure.
Alastair and Aileen spoke to the impact of the pandemic on Legal Services Agency’s litigation work and highlighted issues relating to access to justice caused by practical and technical barriers to clients participating in remote proceedings.
An important reflection from the hearing was that from day one of the pandemic, Legal Services Agency maintained the quality of our legal service provision and made decisions quickly and successfully. Staff members carried out their roles with determination and compassion whilst dealing with a national lockdown, a transition to remote working, and vicarious trauma resulting from the pandemic.
As put by Aaliya Seyal, LSA’s Chief Executive, “we made the impossible possible during the pandemic.”
Following the pandemic, we have continued to uphold and advance the rights of those facing disadvantage, and we remain committed to working to improve access to justice.
Legal Services Agency are pleased to have contributed to the Inquiry’s investigation and look forward to the publication of their findings.
