SRA approve Oxford Brookes and LawNet for work-based learning
3 November 2008
The Oxford Institute of Legal Practice (OXILP) is to offer the Solicitors Regulation Authority's work-based learning scheme to 11 trainee solicitors. The work-based learning scheme offers a new, more flexible approach to trainee solicitors for whom the traditional training contract is unsuitable or unavailable.
OXILP, now a fully integrated part of Oxford Brookes University, and LawNet, the national network for mid-size legal firms, submitted a successful joint proposal to become an assessment organisation for work-based learning. Under the scheme OXILP help trainees prepare a development plan, review their progress against SRA outcomes and provide a final assessment while LawNet operate the training programme, including bespoke training sessions to enhance the trainees' learning experience, supporting the learning outcomes.
This differs slightly from the other participants on the pilot, where trainees are supported and assessed either wholly in-house by their employers, or externally by Nottingham Law School.
The OXILP trainees work in the following four firms which are part of the LawNet network based in the south of England:
Dr Jonathan Spencer, chair of the SRA's Education and Training Committee, said: "The SRA sees great potential in this cooperative approach - it could be very suitable for small to medium-sized firms who wish to support their employees to qualify, but do not want to develop their own internal assessment mechanisms.
"This is another example of the flexible approach we are taking to work-based learning in order to improve access to the profession."
Lynda Miller, director of services from LawNet, said: "The LawNet and OXILP Partnership demonstrates an innovative approach to the pilot. This is a very exciting project for all those involved, and an excellent model to take forward through to 2011, providing a leading edge solution for any firm."
A unique feature of the OXILP scheme is that trainees can record evidence of their achievements on web-based software which is secure and easy to update effectively, creating an e-portfolio of work.