Changes to CPD explained in two templates

As we have reported previously, our poll found that over 50% of solicitors plan to transition to the new approach to continuing competence before it becomes mandatory on 1 November 2016.

The SRA has published a toolkit with detailed guidance on how to comply with the new approach. However, some of the information is confusing. We have chosen to highlight two short documents that explain most of the requirements at a glance.

Under the new approach, you must:

  • Reflect on the quality of your practice by reference to the Competence Statement
  • Plan and address learning and development needs based on the reflection
  • Record and evaluate the learning activity
  • Make an annual declaration to confirm you have completed the above

The following two templates from the SRA clarify what is required Continue reading

Poll results: when are firms changing to new CPD?

On 2nd April we asked our clients when they plan to adopt the SRA’s new approach the CPD. Here are the results.

results: April 2015: 24 percent, Nov 2015: 27 percent, Nov 2016: 24 percent, have not decided: 18 percent, individual solicitors: 8 percent

These results are comparable to the SRA’s own internal poll which found that 25% of firms would adopt the new approach as of 1 April 2015.

This was the first of a series of polls we will conduct to benchmark how the industry is adapting to the SRA’s changes.

The post CPD era is here!

The SRA released the latest version of its handbook on 1 April 2015. Among the important changes is the final Competence Statement, which is the cornerstone of the new approach to CPD and can be adopted starting today.

The new approach will be implemented for all solicitors from 1 November 2016. However, solicitors can choose to move to this new approach today (for 2015), or on 1 November 2015 (for 2016).

Where can you go for guidance on the new approach?

The SRA has also published a toolkit with detailed recommendations for compliance with the new scheme. The recommended process is as follows:

Here at VinciWorks we are putting the final touches on a platform to streamline your transition to the new framework. It will be built into our Learning Management System. We’d love to hear from you what your thoughts and plans are for the new CPD scheme. Recommendations that we hear now will be considered for the final product.