Welcome to our September update. When it works well, the high-volume claims model can be a good route for consumers to enforce their rights. However, regular readers will know our concerns have been increasing about how the market is operating, and the significant risks this poses to the public. The findings of our recent thematic review have only heightened these concerns. It includes key areas where some firms are falling short and resources to support firms working in this area alongside important reminders of your obligations.
It is in everyone’s interest that we support a diverse legal profession. All solicitors have a duty to act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). To help explain what that duty means in practice, we have expanded our EDI guidance.
With just a few weeks until you need to renew your practising certificate, please take time to check your mySRA login and check on your continuing competence obligations. Finally, there are a number of events coming up in the next two months, online and face-to-face, and we hope to see you there.
Do you work in the claims sector? If so, our recently published thematic review provides a range of useful information and support materials. These practical resources will help you comply with all your obligations and provide consumers with the high-quality services they deserve.
Read more about: Supporting you in delivering claims work
All solicitors have a duty to act in a way that encourages equality, diversity and inclusion. To help explain what Principle 6 means in practice, we have expanded our guidance to cover examples of misconduct, terminating a retainer when faced with discriminatory behaviour by clients, and more detail on when and how we will take regulatory action.
Read more about: Updated guidance on encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion
When they work well, high-volume consumer claims (HVCCs) can provide vital access to justice, particularly for those who might otherwise struggle to obtain legal support. However, we are concerned that this market is not working as well as it should, with widespread issues that may be causing harm to consumers. Join as we discuss some of the concerns we are seeing, alongside how to manage risks and protect consumers.
Read more about: Sign up for the high-volume consumer claims webinar
We have further improved the security of mySRA by switching to app-based verification. This means that you will now need to use an authentication app to generate a verification code when logging in to your account. Codes will no longer be sent by text message. We have updated supporting information and published video guides to help with this change.
Read more about: New approach to verifying your identity in mySRA
All practising and registration certificates expire at the end of October each year so you must renew yours next month. Applications open on 1 October and close on 31 October. To help you prepare, we have published information on what questions we ask both individuals and firms in the application. We also recommend checking all your information is up to date in mySRA before you renew.
Read more about: Renew your practising certificate in October
When renewing your practising certificate, you are required to confirm that you are taking the required steps to remain competent and keep your knowledge and skills up to date. This includes any legal, ethical and regulatory obligations relevant to your role. We have a range of resources online to help you consider this, including guidance on the steps you need to take and a template for recording your learning.
Read more about: Is your continuing competence up to date?
It is essential that we have the most up-to-date information about the profession in order for us to support a diverse, inclusive legal sector. To allow this to happen we rely on you to check and update your personal diversity information in mySRA.
Read more about: Updating your diversity details in mySRA
This free webinar is for legal professionals wanting to understand more about ethnicity pay gaps. Find out more about the current reporting landscape, hear about examples of good practice from law firms and put your questions to the panel.
Read more about: Ethnicity pay gap reporting webinar
