The SRA has launched a consultation on changes to its continuing competence regime, driven by the Legal Services Board’s push for a stronger culture of professional ethics across the profession.
In this recording, Partners Nick Leale and Andrew Pavlovic discuss what the proposals could mean in practice. Watch the video above or listen here.
In particular, they discuss:
- A proposed requirement for solicitors to record and retain evidence of their learning and development for at least three years, moving away from self-certification
- The proposed introduction of a minimum of three hours of professional ethics training, focused on interactive, scenario-based discussion rather than passive learning
- Practical challenges for firms arising from the proposals, including how larger firms could deal with the requirement to deliver training in small groups and tailoring content to real-world ethical dilemmas
- The proposed new powers for the SRA to mandate targeted training in particular sectors or risk areas, with potential enforcement action taken against those who fail to do it
- The wider direction of travel – a shift towards embedding ethical decision-making and evidencing competence in practice, not just technical knowledge
The consultation is open until 15 July 2026. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the consultation further, please contact our regulatory specialists Nick Leale or Andrew Pavlovic.
Nick and Andrew also provide training on SRA regulatory matters, often in conjunction with our employment partners Beth Hale, Sarah Chilton or Emma Bartlett.
Nick Leale is recognised by Legal 500 UK 2026: “Partner Nick Leale is a great addition to the team. He is knowledgeable, approachable, and puts all his efforts into getting results for his clients.”
Andrew Pavlovic is recognised by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 as “Up and Coming” in the field of Professional Discipline: “Andrew is a recognised expert, particularly in legal regulation.”
CM Murray LLP has been recommended by Legal 500 UK 2026 and Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Professional Discipline: “The firm is a leader in the field of professional discipline.” “‘The team is very good on all matters of regulatory law.”
