Register Forum Meeting at the House of Commons

Kate Hoey MP, hosted a Stakeholders Forum meeting at the House of Commons for the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR).

The PPR is the over-arching voluntary regulator that provides a voluntary scheme of regulation for all those who offer legal services in the unregulated market.

Rita Leat, Managing Director of the PPR said “the aim of the PPR is to provide voluntary regulation for Paralegals to enhance consumer protection and to promote diversity in the sector.  With more than 2,000 members on the register, with numbers rising who are applying for Paralegal Practising Certificates, we are pleased to be recognised by the sector as the only recognised voluntary regulator for Paralegals.

The unregulated legal services market can now join the PPR so that they are accountable for the services that they offer.  Only PPR Paralegal Practising Certificates provide protection to consumers who choose to use the services of an unregulated provider.

We are delighted that 30 key stakeholders attended the meeting, many of whom have pledged support to the PPR in its commitment to enhance PLE, improve diversity within the sector via the PPR experiential route and to enhance consumer protection.”

Kate Hoey MP said: “I was very pleased to host this important event. Paralegals will become more and more essential for the public seeking help and legal advice. I am impressed with the co-operation between all the various legal agencies and want to see the PPR continue to grow as the voluntary regulator for those providing unregulated legal services”.

Kathryn Stone OBE, Chief Legal Ombudsman, said: “The Legal Ombudsman is keen to see efforts being made to enhance consumer protection in this sector. We applaud the PPR for providing voluntary regulation to maintain high standards among paralegals.”

Espe Fuentes, Head of Which?Legal who attended the event, confirmed that Which?Legal will be joining the PPR Supporters Group that was launched at the meeting.

Derek Wood CBE QC who is a patron of the PPR commented: “It would be quite inaccurate to suggest that Paralegals offer a fall-back or second-class service for clients who cannot afford to turn to a solicitor or barrister. They offer front-line high quality bespoke advice and representation at affordable prices and make a major contribution to the administration of justice.  They are guided by the ethical values which pertain across the whole of legal practice.   I have been deeply impressed with the sheer diversity of legal expertise deployed by PPR members, and their commitment to serving clients in the field of specialism which they have developed.  The PPR provides an important collegiality, a network of personal contacts and support, discussion and interaction”.

Derek Wood further made a request to all key stakeholders and organisations with members or employees who are paralegals not regulated under the Legal Services Act 2007 to join the PPR.  He said “Our increasing body of Paralegals in England and Wales need the professional and ethical support and guidance which the PPR can offer.  In that way they can develop effectively their own careers and practices.  Their clients need the assurance which the PPR can give that their adviser or representative is properly accountable for the quality and integrity of the service delivered, and that redress can be obtained if anything goes wrong.  The legal community at large needs the diversity of personal experience and insight which paralegals can bring to the table.”

Interviews are available, please contact Dorothy Campbell on 0203 0341486 or via email [email protected]

December 7, 2017 News 0

Review of Legal Services Regulation - Thoughts for the unregulated

In May, this year the Ministry of Justice confirmed that it was not intending to change the structure of legal services regulation. Justice minister Alex Chalk MP said in a parliamentary paper there were ‘no plans’ to review the framework which is built around the Legal Services Act 2007. This statement was made in spite of the fact that Professor Stephen Mason, UCL, had yet to publish the final report on The Independent Review of Legal Services Regulation. After almost two years of research, three working papers and numerous consultations, it would appear that the MoJ had jumped the gun. Indeed, the interim report, published in September last year, indicated quite strongly that the regulatory landscape was not fit for purpose and needed a major overhaul. The Legal Services Act was not intended for today’s innovation within the legal sector and leaves little room to enable new technology to be taken under the regulatory wing. Statutory restrictions have prevented the regulatory framework to adapt to a more diverse legal service provision. The final report that was published in June this year and sets out a series of proposals, which could provide both short term and long- term reform. Currently we are in a state of ‘all’ or ‘nothing’, with some legal service providers being left out in the cold, whilst others suffer the burden of ‘Title Based’ regulation opposed to ‘Activity Based’ regulation, that it can be argued to be eminently more sensible. The key points for the unregulated providers to take note, is that reform is inevitable, and there is a new call to bring the unregulated into the framework in the short-term. If the framework is developed in relation to ‘activities’ then willwriters and paralegals should think very carefully about being left out, if they do not adjust to new criteria that will undoubtedly be forthcoming in relation to (a) categorising the risk of certain activities (will writing has already been muted to ‘high risk’) and (b) ensuring that providers of ‘activites’, meet the new standards of competency whatever they may be. The report does however highlight and more importantly recognise that there is an independent voluntary regulator, the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR), who acts as a regulator for all those offering legal services outside the regulated professions. The way forward for the unregulated sector is to provide a united front and organisations who are interested in protecting the unregulated sector are advised to contact the PPR. To find out more about the Professional Paralegal Register visit www.ppr.org.uk
July 6, 2020 News 0

Share Your Success for a Chance to Win an Amazon Gift Voucher!

Share Your Success Prize DrawAs the year draws to a close, we would like to hear from paralegals on their greatest achievements in 2018. 

Whether it’s a winning case, you’ve achieved a new qualification or promotion, no matter how big or small, share your success with us for a chance to win a £10 Amazon Gift Voucher.

All you need to do is drop us an email at [email protected] with details of your greatest achievement before the 17th December 2018.

The winning entry will be drawn on the 18th December 2018 and the prize will be sent to the winner in the post.

Good luck!

December 6, 2018 News 0

Spotlight on the PPR Register Regulatory Committee

In this article Amanda Lee, Chair of the RRC explains what is the purpose of the committee, how it handles complaints and how you can get involved.

What is the Register Regulatory Committee? 

The Register Regulatory Committee (RRC) is responsible for managing the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR) and providing strategic and operational advice on issues that affect the PPR. To fulfil this role it considers advice received from the PPR’s independent Advisory Board.

Led by Chair Amanda Lee, the RRC is composed of six members with professional experience in a broad range of different disciplines. Members of the RRC are committed to ensuring that members of the PPR uphold the highest standards of professional service and support the PPR’s goals of raising the profile of professional paralegals and protecting consumers.

What does it do?

The RRC plays a vital role in supporting the PPR’s mission of providing its members and the public with the ability to make informed choices when choosing a legal representative. If a complaint is made about a registered or regulated paralegal then the RRC is responsible for considering that complaint and taking whatever action is necessary.

The RRC acts in accordance with clear rules and procedures in order to ensure that complaints are considered fairly and in a timely fashion. It therefore helps the PPR to ensure that paralegal work is of the highest standard by providing consumers with a remedy if they have any complaints about the work undertaken by a PPR member.

How does the RRC handle complaints?

The RRC’s powers differ depending on whether the complaint made relates to a regulated or registered paralegal. It may dismiss complaints or impose some sort of sanction if it is determined that a complaint should be upheld, such as requiring a paralegal to pay compensation or suspending their PPR membership. These broad powers help it to protect the public and to ensure that the standard of service provided by paralegals that are voluntarily regulated by the PPR is reflective of the high standards of service that PPR members strive to provide to their clients. 

The RRC has the power to appoint independent bodies to investigate complaints. If the value of the compensation sought by the complaining party is £500 or less then the RRC will appoint a Complaints Committee to consider the allegations made and determine whether any sanctions should be applied to the paralegal involved. If the value of the compensation sought exceeds £500 then the RRC will appoint an independent Adjudication and Appeals Panel. This panel has broader powers and the ability to impose a penalty of up to £5,000.

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in supporting the important work of the RRC then please consider applying to join the committee. The RRC meets a minimum of twice per year. The deadline to apply is 20 December 2019. For further information see the advertisement here.

December 4, 2019 News, Guest Blog 0

The Association of Probate Researchers has achieved Recognised Body status of the PPR

The PPR is proud to announce that the Association of Probate Researchers (APR) has achieved Recognised Body status of the PPR. The new professional body that has been set up by Fraser and Fraser will welcome into its fold Probate Research companies and individuals who would like to offer their clients the greatest protection by being regulated under this voluntary scheme.

Rita Leat MD PPR commented:

“Professional Probate Researchers provide an invaluable service for beneficiaries who may not otherwise inherit from their deceased’s families’ estates. We are delighted that these professionals can now receive the recognition they deserve along with suitable regulation provided by the PPR”.

If you would like to join the APR then contact Martin Quinn [email protected]
www.a-p-r.org

September 1, 2016 News 0

The IPW Becomes The First Membership Body To Achieve Recognised Paralegal Status Within The Sector

The Professional Paralegal Register (PPR), has set the highest standards for those membership bodies who seek recognised status within the sector, ensuring that only the best paralegals are registered and attainable to the consumer market.

The Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) has become the first body within the sector to ensure their members are already signed up to the Professional Paralegal Register ahead of the launch to the consumer market on the 6th July.

July 2, 2015 News 0

The PPR Handbook

The Professional Paralegal Register is in the process of compiling a handbook which will be made available to all of our member’s in the coming months.

It is our aim at the PPR to always set the highest standards and to ensure that our members are fully equipped to provide the most professional and highest quality of work and service to the general public whom they are dealing with, at all times.

We believe that in making a PPR handbook available to our members it will act as an extremely useful tool and benefit ensuring that they are up to speed with the most current information regarding the PPR and its rules and policies whilst also acting as a resource that members can refer to for guidance, knowledge and support.

In order for members to consistently meet the highest level of expectation in their work as a paralegal and to minimise any risk to the consumer, it is of the utmost importance that you as a member of the PPR have a thorough understanding of our Strategy and Aims; Code of Conduct; and of the Rules and Requirements that we currently have in place.

Ultimately, the PPR endeavours to support all of its members at all times to ensure that you as a paralegal are not only recognised for your professionalism but that you are also placed in the best position to offer your clients complete reassurance and peace of mind in the work that you are doing for them.

Therefore, we hope that our members will find the handbook to be a highly beneficial resource that provides valuable knowledge and information whilst also assisting you to achieve the highest standards in your profession.

We look forward to being able to share the PPR handbook with you in the near future.

September 4, 2018 News 0

The PPR have published their Business Plan for 2016/17

The Business Plan has been developed collaboratively by the efforts of the Board of Directors, the Register Regulatory Committee and the Independent Advisory Board.
It highlights the strategy of the PPR and its wider business and regulatory objectives.

The PPR has highlighted that it will focus on delivering a transparent and proportionate voluntary regulatory scheme for its members; promoting the Paralegal Profession as the Fourth Arm of the Legal Profession; increasing consumer protection in the unregulated market and increasing membership of the PPR.

Managing Director, Rita Leat said

“The Business Plan represents our vision for the future of Paralegal Practitioners within the legal framework and clearly outlines our aims and objectives for improving diversity within the sector. Consumer protection is of paramount importance in the delivery of legal services”.

Please download the PPR Business plan

February 22, 2016 News 0

The PPR welcomes newly appointed Director Ian Grant

The PPR sadly says goodbye to Amanda Hamilton as a founding Director of the PPR, who has resigned for personal reasons. We can however say hello to our newly appointed Director, Ian Grant who is a lawyer of many years standing and has been involved in the Paralegal sector for many years. Ian will bring with him a wealth of legal and sector knowledge. Ian commented,

‘I am delighted to be appointed as a Director of the PPR as it is an organisation that promotes a voluntary regulatory scheme for Paralegals and protects consumers, both of which I firmly believe are required to encourage a diverse legal services industry’

May 12, 2017 News 0