Training Contract Records

SRA Training Regulations 2014 “Trainees must maintain a record of training which… Contains details of work performed Records how the trainee has acquired, applied and developed their skills by reference to the Practice Skills Standards Records the trainee’s reflections on his or her performance and development plans Is verified by the individuals supervising the trainee” [our emphasis] (Regulation 14.1)

SRA Training Regulations 2014 The Firm must provide trainees with training which includes regular review and appraisal of the trainee's performance and development in respect of the Practice Skills Standards and the Principles, and the trainee's record of training (Regulation 12.1(d))

SRA Training Regulations 2014 Training Principal must ensure trainees maintain a record of training which will meet the SRA requirements (Regulation 13.1) At end of training contract, Training Principal must be able to sign off that trainee... "has a full and complete record of training which complies with the requirements under the SRA Training Regulations” (AD1 Admission Form)

The SRA’s Practice Skills Standards 90+ skills/competencies across the key headings: Advocacy and oral presentation Time & work management, including Case and transaction management Client care and practice support Communication skills Dispute resolution Drafting Interviewing and advising Legal research Negotiation

Putting this all together… A training record should: Capture examples of their experience Be selective (not a duplicate time recording system) Be representative Cross-refer to the SRA Practice Skills Standards Say something about their learning and development and how they might do things better/differently next time (reflective)

Not just about the SRA… …a learning & development tool A way for them to capture and reflect on their learning and development (‘A Good Thing’) A way for you and the Firm to track/assess their progress against the SRA and any firm-specific ‘KPIs’ Relevant for mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews Relevant for NQ applications (a ‘CV builder’)

Historically (and at many firms still), training records have been a paper exercise…

How often should they be logging on How often should they be logging on? Requirements, expectations & benchmarks

How often should they be logging on? Expectation (including SRA) is ‘weekly’ 20 to 30 minutes per week Some weeks will be very busy, but… …would not expect a month to go by without any entries No black & whites but as a benchmark…

Our rating: On average: ‘Good’ 3 or 4 entries per week (12 to 16 per month) ‘OK’ 1 or 2 entries per week (4 to 8 per month) ‘Poor’ < 1 or 2 entries per week (< 4 to 8 per month)