Lexcel v5 Launched 31 October 2011
The Lexcel Office have reviewed the current Standard to enhance
its relevance to the profession, increase risk management
requirements, and provide greater support for outcomes focused
regulation (OFR). They have worked with both accredited and
non-accredited practices and stakeholders, including the Solicitors
Regulation Authority (SRA) and Professional Indemnity Insurers to
ensure a holistic revision of the Standard.
Revised Publications
The Lexcel Office have also published a range of Lexcel v5
materials to help practices gain an understanding of the new
standard, the revisions and guidance on new or revised
requirements. These publications include:
New Scheme Rules
The Lexcel v5 revised scheme rules document outlines the
criteria and requirements which need to be understood and complied
with in order to apply for, be assessed against and then gain
Lexcel accreditation. In addition, it provides information
regarding key Lexcel assessment activities, such as planning and
interviews. This should give practices more insight in terms of the
role and requirement the Lexcel Office places on assessors and the
management of an assessment. The details are based on existing
requirements, such as needing a proceed to assessment letter from
the Lexcel office prior to an assessment visit.
Timescales
Assessment against the new Standard will be optional for all
assessments from 1st January 2012 to 30th June 2012. From 1st
July 2012 the new Standard will become mandatory, even for
accredited firms!
What to do next?
Contact the Lexcel Team at Assessment North East on 0191 516
6919 or email us at clairel@aneltd.co.uk to
arrange your FREE initial
meeting to discuss your firms Lexcel requirements.