SRA Update

Version 4 of the Handbook

SRA Update Issue 25 – June 2012

Version 4 of the Handbook has now gone live. The latest alterations have been approved by the Legal Services Board after being put forward following approval by the SRA Board meeting in May.

The web-based nature of the Handbook makes it even more user friendly, allowing you to see how the Code of Conduct evolves in our new era of outcomes-focused regulation. Because of the virtual nature of the Handbook, we now refer to new versions instead of editions, which is specific to printed copies.

Changes include

• alterations to the Practice Framework Rules to accommodate in-house solicitors,
• notifications for the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates, and
• changes to the COLP-COFA approval dates.

The online version has a "history of" facility, so users can compare updates to previous copies of the Handbook. It also allows users to see clearly any rules that have been approved by the LSB but that are yet to come into force.

The web version has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. It includes

• advanced search options that allow specific sections to be viewed,
• a quick guide to the Handbook itself, and
• the ability to print or download PDF versions of only those sections that are needed, rather than all 500-plus pages.

The current Handbook underpins outcomes-focused regulation. To access the Handbook, go to www.sra.org.uk/handbook.

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