The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is seeking views on proposed changes to the rules governing how disciplinary proceedings involving regulated practices and individuals are dealt with by its independent adjudication panel.
Member feedback is encouraged on changes to the procedural rules that govern matters under the panel’s consideration, which the CLC says will enhance clarity, consistency and efficiency. These are separate from the rules governing disciplinary and enforcement measures the CLC can impose.
A consultation paper provides further details about the rule changes, which include proposals to changing adjudication panel procedures to ensure they are capable of governing a range of constitutional and procedural matters. An amendment to the constitution of the independent adjudication panel by codifying current practice and clarifying its powers is also proposed.
Any changes to the CLC’s regulatory arrangements will require approval from the Legal Services Board.
The adjudication panel, which is funded by the CLC but operates independently, combines professional and lay members and is chaired by Nick Hawkins, a barrister and former chief crown prosecutor. It has the power to impose significant sanctions ranging from fines to permanent disqualification.
Responses to the consultation will be taken into account before a revised set of rules is finalised and submitted to the Legal Services Board for approval, the CLC said.
CLC chief executive Sheila Kumar said: “The independent adjudication panel plays a central role in upholding standards across conveyancing and probate to protect the consumer and public interest.
“As part of our ongoing work to maintain a robust and effective framework to address any allegations of misconduct against licensed practitioners, we have identified opportunities to further enhance the clarity and scope of the current adjudication panel rules.
“While the proposed amendments are largely technical, they are important in ensuring the rules remain clear, effective and fit for purpose in addressing issues relating to the constitution and procedure of panels.”
Adjudication panel chair Nick Hawkins added: “I encourage anyone with an interest of the work of the adjudication panel to read the proposed changes and to provide comments.”
The consultation will be open until 11.45pm on 10th June.
Responses can be submitted online, sent by email to policy@clc-uk.org, or posted to The Policy Team, Council for Licensed Conveyancers, WeWork, 120 Moorgate, London, EC2M 6UR.
