header-logo header-logo

CPD: time to sharpen up

27 January 2017 / Julie Brannan
Issue: 7731 / Categories: Features , Training & education , Profession
printer mail-detail
nlj_7731_brannan

Julie Brannan explains the SRA’s new approach to continuing competence

From 1 November 2016, we introduced a new regime for making sure solicitors in England and Wales keep their skills sharp and their knowledge up to date.

The old, “attend 16 hours of training” model is out. Now, all solicitors have to think about is:

  • whether their work is good enough;
  • identifying any areas where they could do better; and
  • addressing any weaknesses so they continue to deliver a proper standard of service.

We introduced this new approach to training and education to make sure that people get the best standard of service from solicitors. That standard is laid out in the Solicitors’ Competence Statement, which was published in April 2015. It sets out the skills we expect from those within the profession—not just for admission, but throughout their career.

The best way for solicitors to remain competent is by focusing learning and development on what really matters, rather than meeting our requirement to complete an arbitrary number of hours training.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll