Research and reports
July 2020
SQE: monitoring and maximising diversity
SQE Briefing
The full details on why we are introducing the SQE, from its inception through to where we are we now.
Read the SQE BriefingDraft Assessment Specification
This draft Assessment Specification sets out the indicative design and content of the SQE.
Introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination: Monitoring and Maximising Diversity
This report, prepared by policy association the Bridge Group, considers how the SRA could monitor the impact of the SQE on candidates with protected characteristics and on those from lower socioeconomic groups through data collation and analysis. It also recommends steps the SRA could take to maximise the positive impact of the SQE on diversity.
Download (PDF 63 pages, 2.4MB)
Authorisation and monitoring activity
The purpose of this report is to tell our stakeholders about the outcomes of our quality assurance activity in relation to education and training. Unless otherwise stated, it relates to the period 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015. This reflects the higher education academic year.
Qualification in other jurisdictions – international benchmarking
In order to provide points of comparison when developing our proposed routes to qualification, we have benchmarked relevant overseas jurisdictions to establish common international practice.
Indicative economic impacts of a new qualification framework for solicitors
Economics, Policy and Competition (EPC) was appointed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to undertake an economic impact assessment of proposals for a new framework for solicitor qualification.
Download PDF (68 pages, 1.1MB)
A technical evaluation of a new approach to the assessment of competence of intending solicitors
AlphaPlus has used a logic model to capture the outcomes that SRA aim to achieve through the development, and the mechanisms through which they intend to achieve these.
Download PDF (97 pages, 1.3MB)
Baseline attainment data: legal education, training and post-qualification
This report has been commissioned as baseline evidence against which to measure the impact of policy changes in education and training, in particular the proposed introduction of changes to assessment.
Download PDF (38 pages, 1.4MB)
Development of a competence statement for solicitors
This document reports the findings from research undertaken to develop a competence statement for solicitors.
Download PDF (154 pages, 1.5MB)
Workforce Education and Training Arrangements in Regulated Entities
This document reports the findings from research undertaken to explore workforce education and training arrangements in providers of legal services regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Download PDF (94 pages, 1.2MB)
The LETR report
LETR is the biggest sector-wide review of legal services for over 40 years, undertaken on behalf of the BSB, IPS and the SRA. The LETR report contains the findings and recommendations of the review.
QLTS assessment methods
This report looks at the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) and the methods of assessment. The report refers to "international lawyers" aiming to be admitted as solicitors in England and Wales.