SRA Standards and Regulations

Refusal of an application

If the SRA refuses to make a grant of either the whole or part of the amount applied for, the applicant will be informed in writing of the reasons for the decision. The fact that an application has been rejected does not prevent a further application being submitted provided that material new relevant evidence or information is produced in support of the new application.

Evidential and procedural matters

The SRA may vary the procedure set out in these rules where it considers that it is in the interests of justice, or in the overriding public interest, to do so. A decision under rule 3 may be made by agreement between the relevant person and the SRA. Before reaching a decision under rule 3, an authorised decision maker or adjudication panel may give directions for the fair and effective...

Duration of authorisation

A body's authorisation takes effect from the date the certificate of authorisation is issued to it by the SRA. A body's authorisation shall cease to have effect: subject to Part 5, if the body ceases to exist; or if the body is a licensed body and is issued with a licence by another approved regulator. The SRA may revoke or suspend a body's authorisation, if: it is satisfied that the...

Decisions to disqualify a person

An authorised decision maker may decide to disqualify a person under rule 3.1(c) only where they are satisfied that it is undesirable for the person to engage in the relevant activity or activities.

Conditions

The SRA may at any time, whether on grant of an application for authorisation or otherwise, impose such conditions on a body's authorisation (whether indefinite or for a specified period), where it considers it appropriate in the public interest to do so and in accordance with rules 3.2 and 3.3. The SRA may impose conditions under rule 3.1 if it is satisfied that the authorised body, or a...

Higher rights of audience assessment providers

Only an organisation approved by the SRA may provide assessments in higher courts civil advocacy and higher courts criminal advocacy conferring a higher courts advocacy qualification. An organisation may apply to the SRA in such manner as may be prescribed to be approved to provide such assessments. The SRA may, in relation to an application for approval: grant the application, subject to such...

Education providers

Only an approved education provider may provide and assess: a Qualifying Law Degree; a CPE; an Exempting Law Degree; or an Integrated Course. Only an authorised education provider may provide and assess the Legal Practice Course or the Professional Skills Course. An organisation may apply to the SRA in such manner as may be prescribed to be an approved education provider or an authorised...

Individual authorisation

As set out in the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations: A decision made under regulation 1.1(b) not to be satisfied that an individual holds a degree or qualifications or experience which are equivalent to a degree. A decision made under regulation 3.1(a) not to be satisfied that an individual holds a legal professional qualification that is recognised by the SRA, which confers rights...

Execution-only business

If you arrange for a client on an execution-only basis any transaction involving a retail investment product, you must send the client written confirmation to the effect that: the client had not sought and was not given any advice from you in connection with the transaction; or the client was given advice from you in connection with that transaction but nevertheless persisted in wishing the...

Treating complaints fairly

Notwithstanding your complaints handling obligations in the SRA Code of Conduct for Firms, you must have in place and operate appropriate and effective procedures for registering and responding to complaints from a person who is not a client.