Deadline approaches to join OPG professional guardianship scheme

Legal firms acting as financial guardians in Scotland have three weeks left to apply to the Office of the Public Guardian to join its professional guardianship scheme.

Launched last year, the scheme introduced a random sampling approach to reviewing annual accounts submitted by professional financial guardians, leading to faster processing time and quicker access to remuneration awards. To date 36 firms have joined the scheme.

To be eligible, each firm must be acting as a financial guardian for at least five cases. The firm must nominate a scheme owner (NSO), i.e. someone who holds a senior position within the firm, who will attend a mandatory half day workshop. Workshops will be held in early October 2018 and other people in the firm may also attend.

Under the scheme, all first and final accounts continue to be fully reviewed, but all other interim accounts fall under the scheme criteria, which require a summary about the case along with a declaration that the work carried out and any fees and remuneration taken are in line with the legislation and Scottish Government code of practice.

OPG will call for a random percentage of cases to be submitted for a full review, but will charge the minimum fee per case selected, currently £80. Provided accounts falling under the scheme continue to meet a quality standard, the percentage of accounts to be fully reviewed will decrease.

Eligible firms wishing to join the scheme should complete the application form and return to OPG by 21 September 2018.

One firm commented: "The scheme has made a huge difference to our workflow, resulting in fees being assessed rapidly. As a firm of solicitors regulated by the Law Society, the scheme offers a proportionate level of supervision and practical benefits in terms of staff time.

"Having a named contact at the OPG is a great advantage, allowing us to build a confident, professional relationship and get guidance and advice quickly."

Click here for the application form. Please contact akerr@scotcourts.gov.uk if you require any further information on the scheme or workshops.