1. Looking to the future: next steps in developing our regulation
Crispin Passmore, SRA Executive Director, Policy (Chair)
Chris Handford, SRA Director of Regulatory Policy
Carol Westrop, SRA Head of Legal Policy

2. Regulating in the public interest
The purpose of our regulation is to:
protect consumers of legal services; and
support the operation of the rule of law and the proper administration of justice.
SRA Policy Statement, November 2015

3. Why we are doing this? Current Handbook > 400 pages
New Handbook ≈ 100 pages

4. What have we decided?

5. How have we listened? 10,000 people have engaged so far
Definition of client money
Drafting of Principles and Codes
Toolkit and guidance survey
Joint working on key issues

6. What are the aims of phase 2?
Review our rules and make them clearer
Reduce unnecessary bureaucracy
Implement phase one decisions

7. What does Phase 2 cover? A new, coherent structure
Updating all of our rules
New glossary
Proportionate approach to character & suitability
Not PII & Compensation Fund

8. Approach to Enforcement
Question of Trust campaign
New disciplinary rules
Sanctions and controls
Guidance and toolkits
When to report a breach

9. How will the changes affect you?
Opportunities
Freelancers
Non-reserved services
3 year rule
Easier to make changes
Streamlining manager approvals
Deeming of other non-legal professionals

10. What should you do next? Our consultation is open
Annex 1 explains new Handbook structure
Short summary of the changes
No changes before end of 2018 (earliest)
SRA Innovate

11. Support and guidance New guidance – focused on changes
Review of what we have now
Helps to support compliance
Not rules in disguise
Non-SRA guidance, e.g. TLS

12. What will it look like? User friendly and accessible
Allow you to use your judgment
Practical, real life examples
Checklists, decision trees

13. Your questions?

14. Questions so far (1) When should a breach be reported?
How will the SRA enforce?
Can you enforce against all solicitors?
Compliance changes?
Consumer protections?

15. Questions so far (2) How will we regulate overseas practice?
How will we help consumers to make informed choices?
What are we doing to regulate legal tech?

16. Next Steps Consultation closes 20 December Final rules mid 2018
Period for transition/preparation
New rules in force no earlier than late 2018