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a move to a training system which had no fixed or minimum period of work- based learning. However, the Training Committee preferred to retain a period of work-based learning as part of the qualification process. Trainees learnt a great deal from supervised practice during their training contract (much that cannot be learned in the classroom). Further, the training contract system is one of the reasons the English solicitor qualification is so well regarded across the world; it is important that any changes to the training system do not devalue the qualification.


Assessment for qualification


The SRA was considering how best to assess whether an individual is competent to qualify. Possible options include:


• a series of assessments similar to the QLTS OSCE examination; or


• portfolio assessment.


The Training Committee favoured a system which allowed firms to be authorised to act as assessment organisations, monitored by the SRA. The Training Committee was concerned that a system of OSCE- style assessments would result in specific training for the assessments; this would not necessarily improve competences (and may in fact distract from on-the-job learning) and may spawn a new training industry. Subject to concerns about confidentiality, the Training Committee preferred a portfolio-based form of assessment.


An alternative route would be needed for individuals not employed by authorised assessment organisations. It would be crucial that different assessment processes imposed the same high level of standards. Further, the impact of new assessment procedures on access to the profession had to be considered.


SRA accreditation of trainers


The SRA was considering whether it should cease to accredit training providers given that it does not have resources to regulate them rigorously.


Transparency


The SRA was conscious of the need for prospective students of law (at the academic stage and at the LPC stage) to have access to accurate information about the availability of, and realities of obtaining, employment as a legal professional. The SRA and


8 • City Solicitor • Issue 84


the Law Society have roles to play in making such information available.


CPD


The SRA is reviewing the current CPD system which is based on hours served, and is considering an approach which would require solicitors to identify their individual training needs as part of their firm’s appraisal/review process. Solicitors would be required to certify against these needs and reflect on their learning. Such a system would build on firms’ existing internal training and appraisal arrangements (including monitoring compliance), and the SRA is looking at what authorisation processes might be needed to support this. A different approach would be required for solicitors not working in an authorised firm.


The


Training Committee was concerned that any replacement CPD scheme should be simple to understand and to administer. Whilst acknowledging that the current scheme has its shortcomings, the Training Committee wondered if consideration should be given to retaining an hours-based approach as this provides a simple basis for measuring compliance.


An issue for consultation is whether responsibility for CPD compliance is a responsibility of the individual or the firm. The Training Committee believed that it should be the responsibility of the firm.


The SRA favoured extending the range of activities which qualify as CPD and will be seeking views on the merits of


seeks on the following:


• Whether to continue to require students to register with the SRA before starting the LPC.


• Whether to abolish the requirement for a certificate of completion of the academic stage.


• Whether to de-couple the certificate of character and suitability from registration for the LPC.


• Whether to eliminate duplication between the SRA’s regulatory scope and that of the QAA in relation to each of the academic stage and the LPC.


• Whether the SRA should continue to


prescribe the


Proposed timetable Regulatory review


3 December 2013: “Training for Tomorrow: Regulation review” Consultation Paper published with a deadline for responses of 25 February 2014 (The link to the Paper is http:// www.sra.org.uk/consultations/)


CPD January 2014: high level consultation


Autumn 2014: more detailed consultation


First half 2015: new CPD regulations to be published


November 2015 – 31 October 2016: first CPD year in which new regulations apply


Competence framework retaining the distinction between


accredited and unaccredited CPD. The SRA will also seek views on whether to mandate CPD on topics such as ethics, equality and diversity, and supervision and management. The Training Committee doubted that training in such areas should be required annually and preferred a rolling period requirement (for example, training once in a three year period). The Training Committee particularly favoured the idea of requiring solicitors to undertake some form of ethics training as part of the CPD scheme.


Regulatory review / “bonfire of the regulations”


A consultation document was published on 2 December which


Autumn 2014: consultation to be published 2017/2018: new pathways effective


CLLS contribution to the consultation process


The SRA representatives welcomed the continued contribution of the


Training Committee as the


representative of CLLS member firms and said it would be helpful if the Training Committee could respond to the SRA’s consultations on behalf of its member firms. Contact should be made via Tony King of Clifford Chance (as the Chairman of the Training Committee).


Tony King, Chairman, Clifford Chance LLP


terms and conditions of the Training Contract.


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