Stephen Ward – Council of Licensed Conveyancers Tailoring Regulation to Specialism

Some history 1985 – Administration of Justice Act 1985 – creating CLC, introducing ‘Licensed Conveyancer’ 1987 – First Licensed Conveyancers authorised 2000 – CLC authorised first ‘partial ABS’ entity 2007 – Legal Services Act 2007 2008 – LCs authorised to provide probate services 2010 – Appointed a lay Chair 2011 – Authorised first Alternative Business Structure 2014 – Supported introduction of conveyancing apprenticeships 2015 – Stand-alone probate licences

Recent developments Probate licences Education standards and delivery Apprenticeships

The Profession 232 firms, 1,300 individuals Punching above their weight Very strong specialisation Over 1,000 students

How are we doing? The Legal Services Board says the CLC takes a‘consistent and risk-based approach’ is able to take ‘targeted action depending on the risk posed’ and ‘allows practitioners to be innovative in the way they deliver their products’ ‘…the CLC has a culture of improvement and is not static in its approach to regulation.’

How are we doing? The firms we regulate say the CLC provides value for money and supports innovation and growth in their business being regulated by the CLC is either ‘extremely’ or ‘mostly’ beneficial to their business “Many of my solicitor friends are insanely jealous” (that the new arrangements for licensed conveyancers’ PII include free run-off cover)

Activity based regulation Clear focus Tailored to specific risks Referral fees Acting for both sides Flexibility to support innovation

Handbook Review Changes to regulatory fee rates Changes to Professional Indemnity Insurance arrangements  

Handbook review What poses problems? Where are there gaps in guidance?

The future CMA recommendations on competition Review of regulatory framework Simplification of the ABS regime

Questions Stephenw@clc-uk.org ceo@clc-uk.org