SLCC consults on proposed rules revisions

Proposed changes to the rules of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission have been put out to consultation today.

The changes to the current rules, made in 2016, broadly update the rules to allow for digital and paperless processes, and video hearings where cases go to an oral hearing. They also streamline and clarify certain processes, and introduce gender neutral language.

Vicky Crichton, director of public policy at the Commission, commented: “Our 2020-24 strategy committed us to a drive to digital – moving to a paperless and digital first approach, and the experience of the last 18 months has only underlined the importance of this.

“Our rules were last updated in 2016, so we felt an update was timely. Following a thorough review, we are delighted to consult on amendments which reflect that digital focus. The changes proposed take account of the changing external landscape and norms, including technology, communication methods and administrative tools.

“The amendments also respond to specific issues which have arisen in the last five years, where we have identified that a change in the rules would be desirable to update or to clarify our processes and procedures. This includes updates relating to confidentiality, the requirements to make a complaint, a focus on resolution, and gender neutral language."

She added: “Together, these changes will ensure the SLCC is able to discharge its statutory duties as efficiently and effectively as possible. We look forward to hearing others’ views on these proposals over the next few months.”

Click here to access the consultation documents. The deadline for responses is 1 December 2021.

• An earlier version of this item stated that the Commission was restoring a three year time limit for bringing a complaint, in place of the one year limit that previously applied. In fact the one year limit applied only to conduct occurring, or services commencing, prior to 1 April 2017, and the proposed change regarding time limits therefore only relates to a very small number of complaints where the service was first instructed pre-April 2017.