The PPR will be carrying out random spot checks on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records of registered professional paralegals starting in January 2021.
Why is the PPR doing this?
CPD is required to be undertaken by Tier 2 Paralegals and above.
Members of the PPR are responsible for their own professional development in accordance with the Paralegal Practitioners Rules however to ensure that registered paralegals keep their record cards updated and undertake their set number of CPD hours, we believe spot checks will prove more proportionate and less onerous than requiring all registered members of the PPR to submit their record cards annually.
It is worth noting that registered members who hold Professional Practising Certificates (PPC’s) and are fully regulated by the PPR will be excluded from the spot checks as they must provide their CPD records annually to comply with the Paralegal Practising Certificate Rules.
How will I know if I’ve been selected for spot-checking?
The PPR will contact those selected for spot-checking to ask for evidence of completion of their CPD hours and their record card.
Why have I been selected?
Paralegals will be selected entirely at random.
What is Continual Professional Development (CPD)?
Continual Professional Development (CPD) is any relevant and valid education or training by a Paralegal to enable them to develop his or her professional knowledge, skills and abilities.
The CPD should cover:
- Law – procedure and practice
- Client care skills
- Practice skills
- Organisational and management skills
What are the PPR’s CPD Requirements?
Members at Associate level (Tier 2) and above are required to undertake a minimum of 12 hours CPD in each year of practice.
3 hours must be gained through formal means such as:
- Attendance at a legal conference
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Courses
- Training
- Publishing papers, articles or books
The remaining hours may be gained through private study; taking part in consultations; in-house training; reading journals or books; preparing training materials or presentations.
Records and Monitoring
Paralegals who are registered are required to complete and maintain a CPD record in good faith.
If a member does not have a summary of their CPD i.e. what you did, when, with which provider (if relevant) and the benefit to your professional education (e.g. legal updating, new skill, etc.) then they can download the PPR’s CPD Record Template to complete by clicking here.
Are there any exemptions?
A Member may, in extenuating circumstances, apply for an exemption of up to 4 hours CPD.
If a Member has not complied with the requisite CPD requirements and they are not entitled to an exemption, the PPR will investigate and may withdraw the Member from the PPR. A Member’s CPD record may be used in any complaint investigation that alleges lack of knowledge or incompetent practice.
If a Member holds a practising certificate, they will be excluded from the spot checks.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the Head of Memberships and Events, Abby Dennis by email on [email protected] or phone 0203 039 3710.