01642 225 553
Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) Accreditation
As the quality minimum standard for obtaining an LAA contract, the SQM is a 'go to' standard for many firms
Having assisted hundreds of legal aid firms achieve the SQM standard, our experience is unrivalled. From preparing your Office Manual to full implementation, you can put your trust in our specialist team.
What is the SQM?
The SQM is a quality standard operated by the Legal Aid Agency. It is designed to ensure that legal aid firms are able to demonstrate high standards of client care and practice management. It has similarities with Lexcel but is less comprehensive in scope and only covers legal aid work. For more information about the SQM visit LAA Quality Standards
Why JRS Consultants?
JRS consultants was established in the early days of Legal Aid Franchising. No other consultancy firms have been in the field of Legal Aid Quality Assurance as long as us. The breadth of knowledge and the experience we have developed over this time is simply unprecedented.
JRS offer a range of packages which can assist firms to either achieve or maintain SQM accreditation. Our SQM manuals and systems are tailored to each individual firm and include procedures which will also assist the firms' COLP and COFA meet their obligations under the SRA Standards and Regulations.
The number of firms we have assisted over the years is into four figures. Accordingly, we know our stuff and how to satisfy the SQM standards. All of our consultants have worked in the field of legal aid for most of their careers so you can be confident that you are getting the best people.
Our costs will depend on the size and complexity of the firm. We have a series of SQM packages that aim to meet the varied needs and budgets of our clients from provision of an SQM Manual through to mock audit and annual quality review. Please note that you will need to factor in the costs of audit by the assessment body Recognising Excellence (RE).
Alternatively, you might wish to sign up to one of our popular Retainer Services. This allows us to roll up the SQM accreditation project as part of a wider compliance partnership.
Costs
The SQM Process
Step
1
Research the assessment body
All SQM application and audit activity is managed by the assessment body Recognising Excellence (RE) on behalf of the LAA. Their website contains a wealth of information about the accreditation process.
Step
2
Prepare your Office Manual
You will need to prepare a comprehensive Office Manual that addresses all the SQM provisions. JRS Consultants can assist with this. The SQM will also require you to prepare some subsidiary documents.
Step
3
Make your application
Complete the Recognising Excellence Application Form and submit it to RE with your Office Manual and associated documents.
Step
4
Desktop Audit
The assessment body will allocate an Auditor who will assess your documentation against the SQM standard. This is referred to as a 'desktop audit' and will take place within 28 days of the date of your application.
Step
5
Pre-Quality Mark Audit
On passing the Desktop Audit, a Pre-Quality Mark Audit will be scheduled to take place within six months of the Desktop Audit. The on-site audit will involve interviews of team members, reviews of open/closed case files and reviews of central records.
Step
6
Award of SQM
Usually the audit will require firms to take corrective actions. These need to be completed within 28 days of the audit. If acceptable, the firm will be in order for you to be formally awarded SQM accreditation. Once awarded, the SQM will be valid for a period of five years at which point a Post Quality Mark audit will be due.
Step
7
Post-Quality Mark Audit
Existing SQM holders must successfully undergo a Post Quality Mark Audit every five years to maintain their accreditation. The conduct of the audits is similar to that of the Pre-Quality Mark audits.
Need direction?
Whether you are at the start of your SQM journey and need direction or simply want to discuss an upcoming SQM audit, contact us now