Solicitor member wanted for Children’s Quality Assurance Scheme

The Children’s Quality Assurance Committee (CHQAC) supervises the Children’s Quality Assurance Scheme. The scheme is administered by SLAB under section 28P of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 and is part of the overall compliance regime.

The scheme was devised in partnership with The Law Society of Scotland (LSS), with three solicitor member representatives on the Committee.

The LSS is now looking for one new solicitor member to sit on the Committee as a Law Society representative.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to make decisions and capacity to absorb a great deal of information with a common-sense approach.

Key CHQAC work

• The instruction, receipt and consideration of routine, extended, special and final reviews
• Deciding the outcome of these reviews after receiving recommendations made by solicitor Peer Reviewers
• Considering, if appropriate, whether to make a recommendation to the Complaints and Oversight Sub-Committee of the Society or to refer a solicitor for deregistration.
• Ensuring consistency in the peer review process
• Instructing formal notification of the outcome of reviews
• Gathering statistics and analysing trends arising from the quality assurance process
• Fostering and encouraging good practice in the provision of quality assured services to clients in receipt of children’s legal assistance

Applicants must also:

• Hold a full, current and unrestricted practising certificate and be on the Roll of Scottish Solicitors
• Be registered with SLAB to provide children’s legal assistance and be so registered for the duration of appointment
• Have practised within the last two years and continue to practise for the duration of the appointment children’s legal assistance work
• Have substantial experience of representing clients in the children’s hearings arena including conduct of associated court cases.
• Have successfully passed a routine peer review, or be willing to do so as a condition of appointment

What’s involved?

The Committee meets every two months (February, April, June, August, October and December) at 2pm on the third Tuesday of the relevant month (except December). The meeting usually lasts for no more than two hours.

On occasion, the business of the Committee is conducted by email. The Convener may also call special meetings in accordance with the Board’s Standing Orders. Participation in meetings is currently carried out remotely, on Microsoft Teams.

Candidates will also be required to dedicate time to reviewing papers in advance of meetings and responding to correspondence relating to Committee work.

This position is voluntary, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Length of Term

Appointments are for an initial period of three years. Further reappointment may be possible in line with the terms of the Committee’s remit.

Who can apply?

Candidates must:

• make a meaningful contribution by supporting fair and consistent decision-making that directly affects public confidence in the provision of children’s legal assistance services to clients, including children
• develop skills and professional insight in a role that values sound judgement, attention to detail and decision-making
• help uphold high professional standards and support the delivery of quality, fair, and accountable legal services within the children’s hearings system and associated children’s legal assistance system.

How to apply?

Full information and application are available on the LSS website (external link).

Deadline for applications is Tuesday 22 September 2026.