SRA Consults on Mandatory Ethical Discussions for Solicitors
Summary
The SRA is consulting on proposals that would require all solicitors to record their learning and development needs and sign a declaration confirming they have identified and addressed these needs. The proposals also mandate annual participation in ethical discussions where solicitors work through ethical dilemmas and scenarios with peers. Any final rule changes would require application to the Legal Services Board following the 12-week consultation period closing on 15 July 2026. Solicitors and law firms should review current continuing competence practices to prepare for potential new documentation and participation requirements.
“We are also proposing that all solicitors take part in mandatory ethical discussions on an annual basis.”
Law firms should audit their current continuing competence processes ahead of these proposals becoming final. The mandatory annual ethical discussions will require firms to establish or facilitate peer-based forums for working through ethical scenarios — a structural change to how many firms currently approach professional development. Solicitors individually should begin documenting learning needs systematically if they do not already do so, as the signed declaration requirement signals increased scrutiny of self-certification.
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GovPing monitors UK Solicitors Regulation Authority for new courts & legal regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 3 changes logged to date.
What changed
The SRA proposes adding new requirements to the continuing competence framework for solicitors. Key changes include mandatory annual ethical discussions where solicitors work through ethical dilemmas with peers, a requirement to record learning and development needs, and a signed declaration confirming identification and address of those needs. The SRA would also gain authority to require specific learning where competence concerns emerge.
Solicitors and law firms should review current continuing competence practices in light of these proposals. The mandatory annual ethical discussions represent a new participation requirement that firms may need to facilitate. The SRA's evidence base includes findings from its 2025 annual assessment showing shortcomings in how some solicitors and firms maintain competence, indicating regulatory intent to strengthen enforcement of development obligations.
Archived snapshot
Apr 22, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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News release
SRA consults on proposals to strengthen continuing competence requirements
22 April 2026
We are consulting on potential new rules which will require all solicitors to keep a record of how they are reviewing and addressing their learning and development needs. We are also proposing that all solicitors take part in mandatory ethical discussions on an annual basis.
Our proposals, which have been developed with input from key stakeholders, are 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. Our proposals 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 us to require some or all solicitors to complete specific learning and development in the future where concerns over competence emerge. Aileen Armstrong, 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.'
Our annual assessment of continuing competence 2025 showed that most solicitors keep their knowledge and skills up to date. However, it also identified shortcomings in how some solicitors and firms maintain their competence. Evidence from our monitoring work suggests the current approach is not driving the learning and development behaviours we expect from some solicitors. We are acting now to address this situation.
Our engagement found general support from the sector for clear requirements for solicitors on keeping skills and knowledge up to date, including in the area of professional ethics.
The consultation opens on 22 April 2026 and will run for 12 weeks, closing on 15 July 2026. During this period we will be engaging with the profession and other stakeholders to explain our 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.
Alongside the consultation we have outlined our wider approach to professional ethics, including how we are engaging with the profession to support a culture of ethical decision-making and behaviour.
Find out more about our consultation on continuing competence requirements.
Use www.sra.org.uk/competence-requirements to link to this page.
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