These would take the form of ethical dilemmas and scenarios which they would ‘work through’ with other solicitors, according to an SRA consultation on continuing competence requirements, issued last week. They would also need to keep detailed notes of how they identified and met their learning and development needs, and sign a declaration to this effect. Where the SRA detected concerns over competence, solicitors would be asked to complete ‘specific learning and development’.
Currently, solicitors are not given hourly targets for professional development and are responsible for assessing their own competence. The SRA said it has identified shortcomings in how some solicitors and firms do this.
Aileen Armstrong, SRA executive director of strategy, innovation and external affairs, said: ‘Following engagement with the profession and others, we are proposing strengthening the requirements in some areas. This includes new arrangements to support solicitors to navigate ethical challenges.’
The consultation closes on 15 July.
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