SRA Handbook

Authorised training providers requirements

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Version 16 of the Handbook was published on 01/04/2016. For more information, please click 'History' Above

Part 4: Authorised training providers requirements

Regulation 10: Authorised training providers

10.1

Only an authorised training provider may provide recognised training to trainee solicitors.

10.2

To provide recognised training an authorised training provider must:

(a)

meet the requirements for authorisation set out in regulation 11;

(b)

have a training principal who meets the requirements of regulation 13, and notify us in the prescribed form;

(c)

meet the requirements for recognised training set out in regulation 12;

(d)

notify us in the prescribed form of any individual who will commence a period of recognised training with the authorised training provider;

(e)

pay the fees and expenses for their trainees' first attempt at the PSC, and

(f)

pay their trainees:

(i)

until 31 July 2014, at least the minimum salary prescribed by us;

(ii)

from 1 August 2014, at least the single hourly rate of the national minimum wage specified in regulation 11 of the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999.

Regulation 11: Requirements for authorisation as a training provider

11.1

To become an authorised training provider, an organisation must make an application in the prescribed form.

11.2

An application submitted under regulation 11.1 should declare that the organisation is able to provide training:

(a)

and experience in at least three distinct areas of English and Welsh law and practice;

(b)

to enable a trainee to develop the skills needed to meet the Practice Skills Standards and comply with the Principles;

(c)

which is appropriately supervised; and

(d)

which meets the requirements of regulation 12.

11.3

We may refuse to authorise any organisation or may grant authorisation with or without conditions and for such period as we consider appropriate.

Regulation 12: Requirements of recognised training

12.1

An authorised training provider must provide a trainee with training which:

(a)

is supervised by solicitors and other individuals who have the necessary skills and experience to provide effective supervision, to ensure that the trainee has relevant learning and development opportunities and personal support to enable the trainee to meet the Practice Skills Standards;

(b)

provides practical experience in at least three distinct areas of English and Welsh law and practice;

(c)

provides appropriate training to ensure that the trainee knows the requirements of the Principles and is able to comply with them; and

(d)

includes regular review and appraisal of the trainee's performance and development in respect of the Practice Skills Standards and the Principles, and the trainee's record of training.

12.2

If an authorised training provider is not able to provide training in all areas of the Practice Skills Standards or in at least three distinct areas of English and Welsh law and practice, the requirements of regulations 12.1(a) and 12.1(b) may be satisfied by a secondment of the trainee.

12.3

An authorised training provider may recognise previous relevant work-based experience undertaken by the trainee as satisfying up to six months of the required period of recognised training.

12.4

An authorised training provider must notify us in the prescribed form of any change in the training principal.

12.5

An authorised training provider must certify to us in the form we prescribe that the trainee:

(a)

is of the proper character and suitability to be admitted as a solicitor, and;

(b)

has completed the recognised training required by regulation 5.

Regulation 13: Training principal

13.1

A training principal must:

(a)

hold a current practising certificate or be a practising barrister;

(b)

be competent to meet the requirements of these regulations;

(c)

ensure that the training provided meets the requirements of regulation 12;

(d)

ensure that the trainee maintains a record of training which will meet the requirements of regulation 14; and

(e)

ensure that any person involved in the training and supervision of a trainee has adequate legal knowledge and experience in the practice area they are supervising and the skills to provide effective supervision.

Regulation 14: Record of training

14.1

The trainee must maintain a record of training which:

(a)

contains details of the work performed;

(b)

records how the trainee has acquired, applied and developed their skills by reference to the Practice Skills Standards and the Principles;

(c)

records the trainee's reflections on his or her performance and development plans; and

(d)

is verified by the individual(s) supervising the trainee.

Regulation 15: Monitoring of recognised training

15.1

We may monitor the training provided by an authorised training provider. Monitoring may include a visit to the authorised training provider.

Regulation 16: Revocation of authorised training status and refusal to recognise training

16.1

We may revoke authorised training provider status or grant continued authorisation subject to conditions where the authorised training provider has not complied with these regulations or our requirements.

16.2

Where the authorised training provider or the trainee has not complied with these regulations or our requirements, we may refuse to recognise any training received by the trainee as a period of recognised training.