Advocates given guidance on complaints handling
Guidance on complaints handling for advocates has been published by the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and issued to its members by the Faculty of Advocates.
The best practice guidance has been produced as a collaboration between the two bodies.
It explains six basic principles of a good complaints system, and the "three basic steps to effective c omplaint handling": engage, explain and respond.
Matthew Vickers, the SLCC's chief executive officer, commented: "Improving standards of complaint handling and service is an important part of our work. We're pleased to see the interest shown by members of the Faculty of Advocates in the guide we've produced."
Vice Dean of Faculty Gordon Jackson QC said: "As the SLCC indicated in its most recent annual report, there are very few complaints about advocates. As a result, it is helpful to have been able to produce a guidance document for those members who may not have had to deal with a complaint.
"The Faculty is and always has been committed to promoting the provision by its members of the highest quality legal services. It is important that the public should know that if an advocate receives a complaint, it will be handled properly and in accordance with standards approved by the SLCC."
The document was launched at an event in the Mackenzie Building, where a more general discussion about good complaint handling practices also took place.