CDS News

We have published a joint MoJ/LSC consultation paper on a proposed Quality Assurance scheme for publicly funded criminal advocates practicing at Crown Court level and above.

This proposal responds to Recommendation 5.3 of Lord Carter of Coles’ independent review of legal aid.

Lord Carter recommended that a proportionate system of quality monitoring based on the principles of peer review and a rounded appraisal system should be developed for all advocates working in the criminal, civil and family courts.

The aim of the consultation is to use responses to inform a pilot scheme that will run for 6 - 12 months. It is anticipated that the pilot will test several possible approaches ensuring it delivers a robust, proportionate and affordable scheme.

The pilot will initially only apply to publicly funded criminal defence advocates. Following implementation, evaluation and review we anticipate the scheme will be adapted to apply to all publicly funded advocates.

For more information

Please visit the CDS>Consultations pages to view the consultation paper and full details.

Enquiries

Please contact The Supplier Development Group with any other questions.