As a consumer-focused trade body, the Council is extremely sensitive to and closely monitoring the developing situation with Covid-19.
Consumers and the businesses that serve them are strongly urged to follow health advice from Government and public health bodies to safeguard personal health and well-being and to support the individual, national and global response to the pandemic.
Firms should be sensitive to individual consumers’ circumstances, particularly those with potential vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the Council is consulting with members – including legal practitioners, advisers and providers – about changes to face-to-face advice requirements.
All firms are expected to treat customers fairly, in accordance with Council principles and those of their respective regulators, with respect to health considerations and additional financial pressures that may arise from the pandemic.
March 16th
The Council has implemented its business continuity plan and is continuing to provide key services. All Council staff and key contractors are working from home.
March 18th
The Council is consulting on potential changes to its current requirements for face-to-face legal advice. Further details are available by clicking here (members only).
March 23rd
The Council has issued a statement to the media on its rapid and ongoing consultation which is available by clicking here.
March 23rd
The ballot for directors’ positions on the Council’s main board is now open and details can be found by clicking here (members only).
March 25th
Council Chairman, David Burrowes, has issued a statement to consumers to update them on our response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is available by clicking here.
March 25th
The Council has issued a statement to members on its response to the pandemic, which is available by clicking here (members only)
March 27th
Council Chairman David Burrowes has issued a statement following our covid-19 response consultation, which is available by clicking here.
April 4th
The Council has published guidance after agreeing to enable cases to complete without a physical face-to-face meeting with a solicitor. Click here to read it.
April 15th
The Council has broadcast guidance to members on non face-to-face legal advice. The webcast features Council Chair David Burrowes, the Council’s Standards Board Chair Chris Pond and the MD of Equilaw Claire Barker.
April 23rd
Last week’s webcast on non face-to-face legal advice is now available for non-members. To watch the video and to view all of the guidance click here.
April 30th
May 12th
The Council has published a Covid-19 update from OneFamily which is available here. It is available to non-members.
July 20
The Council has received a response from the FCA after it called for a clarification on the regulator’s work from home guidance for advisers. Members can read further information by clicking here.