Updates are being made to the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) standard which will be coming into force on 1 October 2022.
The new SQM standard will apply to all applications for a desktop audit and requests for a full audit made after 1 October.
We are making these changes following a review and the details are set out on our quality standards page on GOV.UK.
What is the SQM standard?
The SQM is a quality assurance standard owned by the Legal Aid Agency. It is designed to ensure providers:
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are well managed
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give good levels of client care
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deliver good quality advice through appropriate systems
It is a requirement for legal aid contract holders to hold either the SQM or the Law Society's equivalent 'Lexcel' accreditation.
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