The SRA addresses prescriptive requirements of training regulations

updated on 12 December 2013

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is seeking to replace the traditional requirements of the training contract with a process that ensures the skills of prospective solicitors.

Following the publication of its Training for Tomorrow policy paper in October, members of the SRA board will discuss training contract proposals with a view to including their conclusions in the forthcoming consultation on the review of the SRA Training Regulations. As part of its Red Tape Initiative, the SRA has already introduced 12 changes during 2013 in an effort to reduce unnecessary regulation. These include permitting in-house solicitors employed by local authorities to charge charities for legal services and introducing a lifetime authorisation for training establishments.

Director of education and training, Julie Brannan, commented: "This is the first in a programme of changes announced in our Training for Tomorrow policy statement…Our aim is to reduce unnecessary regulation and enable more flexibility, while ensuring that there is a greater focus on the quality and standards of those who we regulate to deliver legal services."