Julie Brannan introduces the new plans for CPD
On 21 May 2014, the board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) agreed to introduce a new approach to continuing professional development (CPD). This involves replacing the current requirement for solicitors to undertake 16 hours CPD per year from 1 November 2016 with a new approach that provides freedom and flexibility to firms and individuals to determine the training they need to do to in an a way that suits them.
Our current requirements have many shortcomings; in particular, education and training can be driven by the requirement to meet a regulatory requirement rather than being driven by the education and training needed to deliver competent legal services. Our new approach places competence, competent service delivery and the protection of consumers of legal services at its heart.
Who knows best?
Firms and individuals are best placed to know what training they need to carry out in order to deliver a competent legal service. Approaching education and training differently will benefit entities and individuals.
