SRA releases Training for Tomorrow as part of its LETR response
updated on 18 October 2013
The SRA has released its Training for Tomorrow policy paper, which among other things promises "radical" reforms to the current education and training system and an end to the "one-size-fits-all" approach to solicitors’ qualification.
The policy paper follows publication of the Legal Education and Training Review in June 2013. The paper outlines a number of proposed changes, including:
- moving from a system where the path to qualification is heavily prescribed to one which focuses on "day one skills, knowledge and attributes", offering a number of different ways to acquire said skills;
- getting rid of the current "tick-box system" approach to CPD and replacing it with a system under which individuals, in conjunction with their employers, tailor their professional development to reflect their particular needs and circumstances; and
- stripping away a number of regulations that require the SRA to get involved unnecessarily in the education and training process.
The aim of the above, broadly speaking, is to shift the focus from the training process to an emphasis on high standards within prescribed outcomes, increased flexibility in how to meet those outcomes, and a system that can adapt to the rapidly changing legal services market.
The SRA predicts that implementing these changes could result in:
- widened access to the profession, such as by way of apprentices or other new schemes;
- integrated, on-the-job courses that combine academic and vocational elements; and
- options for those already performing similar roles (eg, paralegals) to qualify as solicitors without having to go through the existing, very structured process.
The SRA is seeking feedback on its policy paper by way of six free public events that are to be held around the country. Running from 11 November until 29 November, the regulator will be holding events in Cardiff, London, Newcastle, Bristol, Manchester and Nottingham. More details on how to attend can be found on the SRA site.
