SLCC looks forward to implementing reforms

The SLCC has welcomed MSPs’ support for the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, which was passed by Parliament yesterday.  

Neil Stevenson, Chief Executive said, “Since 2016 the SLCC has been calling for improvements to the legal complaints and regulatory system to make it more person-centred and proportionate.

“While we supported proposals for more fundamental reform, we believe these changes are still a significant step forward. We’ve worked with government, MSPs and other stakeholders to make them as strong and effective as possible.

“The SLCC has delivered important improvements in complaint handling within the confines of the existing legislation. We know we could do more to deliver a complaints process that meets the public, the profession and Parliament’s expectations of an efficient and effective system for managing complaints and delivering consumer redress. These reforms give us greater flexibility to achieve that.

“The Bill also makes significant changes to other parts of the SLCC’s role. We become the only regulator with an overview of the whole legal services market.

“The role of the independent consumer panel is enhanced, and we will provide registration for unregulated legal services providers who wish to show their commitment to consumer standards.

“There is a greater focus on prevention and continuous improvement to ensure that lessons from complaints help to improve legal services and reduce the chance of future consumer harm or detriment.  

“Ultimately by resolving complaints, raising standards, using insight to support improvement, and driving confidence in legal services, the SLCC will have a vital role in making legal services work for everyone.

“We’re looking forward to implementing these important changes to achieve those benefits for both consumers and lawyers.”