CLS news

A pilot scheme is to start later this year in the north east as part of our plans to introduce more civil online working.

And we are now contacting providers in the north east region to ask them to take part.

The new client and cost management system for civil and family certificated is important to our plans for improving the way we grant legal aid pay bills.

This new system will enable:

• providers to make legal aid applications and submit bills online. A scanning facility will also allow providers to submit supporting documentation electronically.
• clients to pay the LSC in new ways, including by credit/debit card, direct debit and payment reference cards.

External Implementation Group

To ensure that we capture the views of external users of the system and that user training and support is fit for purpose, we have set up an External Implementation Group (EIG) for this programme. This group includes:

• The Law Society
• The Bar Council
• LAPG
• ASA
• Resolution

In addition, we are working with software vendor representatives.

Pilot of the new system

Rollout of the system will begin with a six-month pilot based in our South Tyneside processing office. 

We are emailing providers in the north east to ask for volunteers.

By asking for local volunteers, who have all of their work handled in that office, we will be able to focus support for the pilot in one geographical location.
The pilot is due to begin this summer at the earliest, and we have been discussing our approach with the EIG.

Phased rollout

Following the initial stages of the pilot, providers will be brought on alphabetically in three tranches over a phased period.

We are working with representatives from the Bar Council to understand the best approach for implementing the system for chambers/barristers, although barristers will be included in the pilot.

Updates

We will keep all providers up to date with information about CCMS implementation, such as:

• the rollout timetable and provider go-live dates
• where to go for training and further information
• support packs and information you will receive before implementation
• an update on the programme at Provider Reference Groups

Further information

North east providers will receive an email inviting them to express an interest in the pilot.

For any other queries, please contact  Keely Riordan 
Tel:  0207 783 7175