QASA consultation issued

12 July 2012

Update for the profession: members of the Bar are encouraged to respond to the fourth and final consultation on the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA), which opens today. The consultation has been issued by the Joint Advocacy Group, which comprises the Bar Standards Board, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and ILEX Professional Standards. The scheme, which is due to be implemented from January 2013, will introduce a uniform system of accreditation for criminal practitioners, with the aim of ensuring that those undertaking criminal advocacy have the competence to do so.

The Bar Council will be issuing a considered response to the consultation, which will focus on issues not covered by previous consultations, or those which have been altered since the last consultation. These include arrangements for accreditation at Level 2, the levels within the scheme (including youth court work), phased implementation, and application of the scheme to Silks and 'plea only' advocates.

For further details, and to respond to the consultation, please visit the QASA website: www.QASA.org.uk.