Recognised bodies — conditions on recognition
If you are a recognised body, we can impose conditions on your recognition at any time, including on initial recognition (see regulation 6.1 of the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2011).
We can do so if we think our purpose for doing so is in the public interest (see regulation 6.2(a)–(g) of the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2011).
We have a duty to give you 28 days' written notice of our decision. If we are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that it is in the public interest to shorten this period or dispense with it, we may do so.
We must always give you reasons for our decision. You have a duty to comply with a condition imposed on recognition (see Principle 7).
We may decide to reconsider a decision made by us in specified circumstances (see regulation 18 of the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2011).
If we consider it in the public interest, we may notify specified third parties of our decision (see regulation 19 of the SRA Recognised Bodies Regulations 2011).
Appeals
You have a right of appeal to the High Court. Before exercising your right to appeal to the High Court, you may appeal to us within 21 days of receipt of notification. Your appeal must state clearly the reasons for your disagreement with our decision.
What can happen on appeal to us
An appeal to us can have the following outcomes:
- We may vary the first-instance decision.
- The decision on appeal might improve or worsen the outcome from your point of view.
What can happen on appeal to the High Court
If you appeal a decision to impose a condition on initial recognition, the High Court may
- affirm our decision,
- direct us to grant recognition free from conditions or subject to conditions as the High Court thinks fit,
- direct us not to recognise you,
- if we have recognised you, order us to suspend recognition, or
- make an order as the High Court thinks fit.
If you appeal a decision imposed during recognition, the High Court may
- affirm our decision,
- direct your recognition is to be subject to conditions as the High Court thinks fit,
- order that the conditions imposed by us be revoked, or
- make an order as the High Court thinks fit.