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Quality Mark
On this page:
- About the Quality Mark
- What's happening with the Quality Mark?
- How will the Quality Mark benefit me?
- Which standard should I apply for?
- For more information
About the Quality Mark
The Quality Mark is a set of standards and requirements that assure the quality of service of legal providers.
To carry out legal aid work organisations must obtain the Quality Mark for the level of service they provide. Members of the public who need legal advice and other help can then rely on receiving a quality assured service.
Organisations must show they meet the required standard for the type of service they deliver to be:
- awarded the Quality Mark
- able to display the Quality Mark logo.
What's happening with the Quality Mark?
We are reviewing our application and assessment process. Please contact your LSC regional office to check the local position before beginning an application.
How will the Quality Mark benefit me?
The Quality Mark logo instantly identifies legal aid providers to clients and funders alike:
- the logo is recognised throughout England and Wales
- it demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service
- other service members will know what you do and will be able to refer clients to you
- we will add your details to the CLS Legal Adviser Directory
- you may have an advantage when applying for funding
- you will have an independently assessed quality standard that shows you provide a well-managed service.
Which standard should I apply for?
There are two standards within the Quality Mark: General Help Services and Specialist Help Services.
1. General Help Services
General Help is a service that includes:
- diagnosing clients' problems
- giving information and explaining options
- identifying further action the client can take
- giving basic assistance, e.g. filling in forms, contacting third parties to seek information.
General Help with Casework
You may also be providing a casework service, i.e. taking action on behalf of clients in order to move the case on.
This may include negotiation and advocacy on the clients' behalf to third parties on the telephone, by letter or face-to-face.
Telephone services
Organisations that provide advice service by telephone can apply for the telephone Quality Mark Standard.
You will need to meet the requirements of the General Help (or with Casework) Standard, and additional requirements designed for telephone services.
Read more about the General Help standard...
2. Specialist Help Services
Specialist help services will provide advice and legal help on complex matters in specific areas of law and will carry out the full range of legal services including representation where this is permitted (some representation can only be undertaken by qualified lawyers or individuals acting under their supervision).
Read more about the Specialist Help standard...
Other Quality Mark Standards
Information on the following quality marks is also available from this site:
For more information
Read more about the review of the Quality Mark.
Browse the other pages in this section to learn more about the Quality Mark and the different standards.
Last updated: 19 May 2008