Residential conveyancers to face tougher Code of Conduct
CLC's bossSheila Kumar says changes in communications, technology and the rise of social media are all relevant to professional conduct and code needs updating
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has opened a consultation with its regulated community as it proposes changes to its current Code of Conduct.
Last reviewed in 2006, the CLC is now consulting on a refreshed Code of Conduct, which has been simplified to improve clarity and reflect the significant changes to the practice of law and the societal context in which its firms operate.
REQUIREMENTS
The current Code of Conduct for conveyancrs is part of the CLC’s Handbook that sets out requirements of the lawyers and entities that it regulates.
The Legal Services Act 2007 sets out nine regulatory objectives that all legal services regulators should meet. The updated Code of Conduct helps in the achievement of each of those nine objectives. The proposed Code of Conduct also now outlines the six updated Ethical Principles, with each accompanied by specific outcomes which that must be met.
Sheila Kumar (main picture), CLC Chief Executive, says: “Since its last review, the environment in which the CLC regulated community operates has changed enormously. We have seen very significant changes in communications, technology, and the rise of social media, which is also relevant to professional conduct.”
INSIGHT
And she adds: “Through our assisted compliance approach, we have a clear insight into the evolving challenges and risks in the practice of conveyancing and probate. All of this is reflected in the revised Code.”
“Our aim is that the proposed new Code provides the guidance that is appropriate, necessary and proportionate for CLC-regulated providers of conveyancing and probate to continue to provide an excellent service to their clients.”
A final version of the conveyancers Code of Conduct will be prepared for approval by the Council of the CLC. The consultation can be accessed HERE and will run for eight weeks, closing on the 22 December 2023.
The Neg reported earlier this year how the CLC was receiving so many complaints about broken promises and undertakings being breached that there is a real risk of the conveyancing system breaking.
