Peat 1 Consultation December 2022
Peat 1 Outcomes Consultation - Have your say
Dear colleague,
We are consulting on some proposed amendments to the PEAT 1 Outcomes. The proposed changes aim to modernise the Outcomes, address some identified areas of improvement and ensure inclusivity of approach whilst maintaining high professional standards. We want to be able to provide clarity to students, providers and the profession on what is expected to be achieved, and the various ways that this can be evidenced, during the PEAT 1 Programme.
Please find attached a copy of the PEAT 1 Outcomes with the proposed changes, which are marked on the document. I would be grateful if you could have any comments with us by 5pm on Friday 10 March by emailing consultation@lawscot.org.uk. The Sub-Committee thinks that these changes are positive and facilitative. Our view is that the proposed changes are largely around providing additional clarity and therefore providers can adopt the changes now (whilst noting that further changes may be required post-consultation).
If you require the document in any other format or require more time to complete a response please do email that consultation@lawscot.org.uk and the team will respond.
As well as the PEAT 1 Outcomes document we have provided a background below on how the PEAT 1 Outcomes have developed over time for interest.
With kind regards
Val Pitt
Convenor
Education & Training (Standard Setting Sub-Committee)
Background
The route to qualification as a solicitor was reformed between 2006 and 2011. The project titled ‘Future of Legal Education and Training’ project made a number of changes to the route to qualification and to CPD for qualified solicitors.
The biggest change was setting linked educational outcomes for the vocational stage (PEAT 1 or the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice) and the work-based stage (PEAT 2 or the traineeship).
During that project three consultations were completed to help define what the future route to qualification would look like. After those consultations a group of practitioners and legal academics defined the educational outcomes for both stages. As part of that process an Equality Impact Assessment was completed and the PEAT 1 Outcomes, and wider PEAT 1 programme, came into force on 1st September 2011.
The last major re-consideration of these Outcomes was in 2018-19 when a targeted consultation on particular Outcomes was undertaken.
The providers of the PEAT 1 programme played a large role in this consultation. The changes at that time focused on additional information about technology and rewording the litigation outcomes and positive indicators. There were some other minor changes elsewhere.
Around the same time the wider Accreditation Guidelines were updated and the Outcomes were incorporated into the updated version of the guidelines. An Equality Impact Assessment was undertaken at that time.
Earlier in 2022 we were asked to consider the PEAT 1 Outcomes to ensure they remain appropriate for all candidates. Since that point relevant Sub-Committees at the Society have considered the Outcomes. We are now consulting on some suggested amendments.
Respondents may find it useful to consider the wider PEAT 1 Accreditation Guidelines .
It may be useful, when responding to the consultation, to consider the wider PEAT 1 Accreditation Guidelines inclusive of the educational practice guidelines and suggested modes of assessment and assessment principles which outline the basis for PEAT 1 Outcomes and wider PEAT 1 Programme. As outlined in the PEAT 1 Accreditation Guidelines, providers are responsible for the adoption and implementation of assessment procedures and the categories set out are by no means exhaustive.
What are we consulting on?
The suggested amendments are marked on the document labelled ‘’PEAT 1 Outcomes Consultation document’’. The changes are either struck through where we recommend something being deleted and in red writing when we recommend something changed.
If you require the document in a different format please do contact diversity@lawscot.org.uk.
What are we not consulting on?
The Sub-Committee is aware of a number of requests in recent years for additional content to be taught in the PEAT 1 programme. In this instance, however, the Sub-Committee is keen to discuss the suggested changes to the Outcomes as presented. We do not preclude consideration of additional knowledge topics in the future and reminds providers they can innovate in this area – most obviously through electives.
The views of the Sub-Committee
The Sub-Committee notes that many of the changes being consulted upon are positive and add clarity whilst ensuring the PEAT 1 Outcomes remain inclusive. We think that providers can adopt these draft updated Outcomes immediately with the proviso that there may be further change dependent upon consultation response and an Equality Impact Assessment. We know that providers already consider reasonable adjustments. Our aim here is to aid them by providing further clarity.
The suggested amendments are marked on the document labelled ‘’PEAT 1 Outcomes Consultation document’’. The changes are either struck through where we recommend something being deleted and in red writing when we recommend something changed.
If you require the document in a different format please do contact diversity@lawscot.org.uk.
The Sub-Committee is aware of a number of requests in recent years for additional content to be taught in the PEAT 1 programme. In this instance, however, the Sub-Committee is keen to discuss the suggested changes to the Outcomes as presented. We do not preclude consideration of additional knowledge topics in the future and reminds providers they can innovate in this area – most obviously through electives.
The Sub-Committee notes that many of the changes being consulted upon are positive and add clarity whilst ensuring the PEAT 1 Outcomes remain inclusive. We think that providers can adopt these draft updated Outcomes immediately with the proviso that there may be further change dependent upon consultation response and an Equality Impact Assessment. We know that providers already consider reasonable adjustments. Our aim here is to aid them by providing further clarity.