SRA consults on shake-up of rules for solicitors on addressing learning and development needs

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a consultation on potential new rules which would require all solicitors to keep a record of how they are reviewing and addressing their learning and development needs each year.

The SRA has also proposed that solicitors be required to take part in mandatory ethical discussions on an annual basis.

The proposals subject to consultation would:  

• Require all solicitors to record their learning and development needs and how they identified and addressed these needs, and require solicitors to sign a declaration to this effect. 
• Require all solicitors to participate annually in discussions where they will work through ethical dilemmas and scenarios with other solicitors.  
• Enable the SRA to require some or all solicitors to complete specific learning and development in the future where concerns over competence emerge.  

The consultation follows the SRA’s annual assessment of continuing competence 2025, which identified shortcomings in how some solicitors and firms maintain their competence. 

The SRA said evidence from its monitoring work suggested that the current approach is “not driving the learning and development behaviours it expects from some solicitors”.

The regulator suggested that the proposals have been “designed to give greater assurance that all practising solicitors are taking the necessary steps to maintain their individual competence, across both their ethical and professional obligations.

“They also emphasise the importance of pursuing ongoing professional development which is tailored to an individual's role and which takes account of changes in the legal services sector."

Aileen Armstrong, SRA Executive Director - Strategy, Innovation and External Affairs, said: ”The work a solicitor does can have a profound impact on individuals, families and businesses. Solicitors have to maintain their competence to deliver vital services. 

“Following engagement with the profession and others, we are proposing strengthening the requirements in some areas. This includes new arrangements to support solicitors to navigate ethical challenges. We look forward to engaging further through consultation to ensure that we have the right rules in place.” 

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 15 July 2026. The SRA said during this period it would engage with the profession and other stakeholders to explain its proposals and invite feedback. This will include a live webinar on 13 May.  

When the consultation has ended, the SRA Board will consider all feedback before deciding on any final decisions or changes. Any changes to rules will then be subject to an application to the Legal Services Board.