Law firms have just six months to go until the new continuing professional development (CPD) rules come in, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned.
All solicitors must move to the new approach on 1 November 2016. From that date, they will not need to count their CPD hours or do particular types of training. Instead, they will need to assess what they need to do to stay up to date and competent and pursue training in that area.
According to the SRA, nearly half of law firms have already moved to the new system. Three-quarters said it took them three months or less to do so. The SRA can provide a toolkit with advice on planning and recording learning, downloadable templates and real-life examples.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, says: “This approach is about protecting the public by making sure solicitors remain competent, ethical and up to date. We take this obligation seriously and will continue to require all solicitors to make an annual declaration about their continuing competence.”
