Paul Philip explains CPD for a modern profession
The Solicitors Regulation Authority is continuing to reform how it works. We are constantly looking for areas where we can get rid of outdated regulatory burdens and improve public protection.
As part of that reform, we wanted to look at the traditional 16 hours of CPD per year requirement. This approach had not been substantively updated for more than 25 years and had become something of a tick-box exercise. That was not good for the profession or the public.
We are now moving to a more flexible, modern approach. From November this year, solicitors in England and Wales will no longer count CPD hours. Instead, the new approach means they will reflect on their work and choose training that is right for them and their firm. It is about making sure solicitors are at the top of their game: competent, ethical and ready to deliver high-quality services to their clients.
We recognise that every solicitor and firm is different, and that means that they need to
