Make complaints process better now, SLCC warns Faculty of Advocates

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has urged Scotland's Faculty of Advocates to finally implement improvements to its complaints procedure.

The SLCC has published a report on the progress made by the Faculty of Advocates in implementing recommended improvements to its conduct complaints process.

Now the regulatory body, which will continue in its oversight role following the passing of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill last month, has challenged the Faculty to act.

The Faculty, which is an independent body representing lawyers with audience rights in Scotland's most senior courts, has confirmed revised rules will be sent to the Lord President this week.

Sarah Hamer, SLCC Oversight and Assurance Manager, said: “We welcome Faculty’s commitment to improving its complaints process, and the progress made since we made our five statutory recommendations in December 2023 and July 2024.

“We note that Faculty has taken a comprehensive approach and decided to fully review and re-write the Disciplinary Rules which govern its complaints process.

“However, it is clear that compliance with our recommendations is dependent on the approval and publication of the new Disciplinary Rules.

“Until this happens, neither complainers nor advocates complained about will benefit from the planned improvements to Faculty’s complaints process.

“We urge Faculty to conclude this work swiftly so it can implement these important improvements.”

A Faculty spokesperson said: "The SLCC report was a routine update report produced following regular engagement between the Faculty and the SLCC. It reflects the ongoing monitoring of our progress against a jointly agreed planning framework and demonstrates our continued commitment to transparency and improvement in our complaints process.

"The revised rules will be sent to the Lord President this week for approval."

The SLCC’s update and original report are available on the SLCC website.