Practitioner Authorisation and Supervision
Fellowship applications During 2014 we processed a high volume of applications for Fellowship of CILEx. We ran our new work based learning scheme for the first full year alongside the previous scheme.
We received applications for Fellowship under the previous scheme which relies upon 5 years qualifying employment. This scheme will come to an end in June 2015.
Under the work based learning scheme members begin with an assessment as to whether they are in appropriate employment. We find that the legal services market leads members to work in a range of practice models, some of which require assessment by the Admissions and Licensing Committee as to whether they are in appropriate employment. Our work identified improvements we made to the application process and arrangements for processing applications.
We assess the skills log and evidence supplied by members to establish whether they meet the work based learning outcomes. Our experience this year enabled us to identify resources and guidance to support applicants. We also increased the resources we have for assessing these applications.
CPD We launched the new outcomes focussed CPD scheme. We communicated the new requirements to members. We also delivered training across the country and completed a CPD podcast and online guides which form part of the CPD resources on our website.
We are gradually transitioning members to the new scheme. Since the 2013/14 CPD year all members complete a professionalism CPD activity in addition to their hours based CPD. This allowed us to gradually introduce the CPD cycle of reflect, plan, act and evaluate to members.
In October 2014 Fellows, Associate Prosecutors and Legal Accounts Fellows moved to the full outcomes based scheme which requires them to meet 9 learning outcomes including one in professionalism.
We also worked with members who had not met their CPD obligations for the CPD year that ended September 2013. We secured compliance by 99% of members and commenced misconduct action against those who failed to meet their CPD obligations.
Regulation of Associate Prosecutor members We regulate Associate Prosecutors who work for the Crown Prosecution Service. We quality assure their qualification process and during 2014 we inspected youth court, bail and advocacy courses delivered by the CPS. We found that the training met our standards. Where there were minor areas for improvement the CPS incorporated them into subsequent courses.
Associates to Fellows Scheme We ran the scheme for qualification as a Fellow for members who were Associates prior to 1985. It came to an end in June 2014, having run for 1 year. This was a special time limited scheme.
Practice Rights We prepared for the launch of the qualification schemes for litigation, probate, conveyancing and immigration practice rights. We developed our IT systems, scheme documents and internal processes.
We launched the litigation and immigration schemes in October 2014. We secured Parliamentary Orders leading to the launch of the probate and conveyancing schemes in November 2014. We began working with applicants who have applied for practice rights.
Admissions & Licensing Committee Our authorisation casework is overseen by our Admissions and Licensing Committee. The report of the work of this Committee is at Annex 1.
Portfolio Holder: Andrew
Donovan Chartered Legal Executive Board Member
Key Objectives: IPS will ensure that it: • Secures Parliamentary Orders for practice rights.
• Completes preparation work to implement new regulatory arrangements developed under the practice rights scheme.
• Develops procedures in place to maintain a record of members which is accurate and up to date, allowing enquirers to access the status, rights and fitness to practise history of those listed.
• Implements the Continuing Professional Development Scheme, and has in place robust monitoring arrangements.
Professional standards for specialist lawyers 9
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