The PPR sets high standards to ensure that consumers can receive a good service from its members.

The standards are embedded in the Paralegal policies and procedures to promote and monitor professionalism and ethical practices.

Disclosure of information on individuals and organisations that are members of the PPR is governed by the following principle.

We may disclose to another regulator; to a court, insurer or to a client. The list is not exhaustive and each disclosure is only made after a request has been reviewed. Any disclosure will be made under the following principles and in a way that is compatible with our data protection obligations and the Legal Services Act 2007:

  • protecting and promoting the public interest,
  • supporting the constitutional principle of law,
  • improving access to justice,
  • protecting and promoting the interests of consumers,
  • promoting competition in the provision of legal services,
  • encouraging an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession,
  • increasing public understanding of the citizen’s legal rights and duties,
  • promoting and maintaining adherence to the professional principles.

We will be transparent, accountable, proportionate and consistent where action is required to ensure best regulatory practice.

We take the following into account when deciding on disclosure requests:

  • the legal rights of the parties involved
  • any risk of harm that may result from disclosure or non-disclosure
  • the reason for disclosure and whether it is within the public’s interest
  • the impact disclosure might have on the performance of our own responsibilities
  • our resources to enable us to comply with a request

Decisions are made on a case by case basis and are discretionary. The PPR will advise on the reason for which the disclosure is made or not made and why it is proper to disclose or not disclose

We notify the party who is the subject of the disclosure prior to releasing information unless this would cause us to breach our legal obligations.