The Criminal Quality Assurance Committee (CQAC) supervises the Criminal Quality Assurance Scheme. The scheme is administered by SLAB under Part IVA 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 three new solicitor members to sit on the CQAC.

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

Key CQAC work

1. Instruction, receipt and consideration of routine, extended, special, and final reviews.
2. Deciding the outcome of reviews after receiving recommendations from Peer Reviewers.
3. Considering whether to make a recommendation to the Conduct Committee of the Society.
4. Ensuring consistency in the peer review process.
5. Instructing formal notification of a practice unit’s pass or fail.
6. Gathering statistics and analysing trends from the quality assurance process.
7. Fostering good practice in the provision of quality assured services.

What’s involved?

This is a voluntary three-year position with travel expenses reimbursed, and the ability for extension.

Successful candidates are required to attend CQAC meetings once a month (except August and December), either virtually on Teams or at SLAB’s Edinburgh office at Haymarket. The Convener will occasionally call special meetings.

Candidates will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings, as well as responding to emails regarding committee work.

Who can apply?

Candidates must:

• be registered criminal legal aid practitioners with knowledge of the scheme and compliance regime
• hold a full and current practising certificate
• have a minimum of five years post qualifying practising experience
• have been practising within the last two years
• have a good level of experience dealing with criminal cases at solemn, summary and appeal level
• have already passed a routine peer review, or pass a routine review, as a condition of appointment
• continue to practise during the period of the appointment.

Candidates should also be aware of the aims and objectives of LSS, be able to demonstrate background knowledge of the criminal legal aid system for Scottish solicitors, and have experience promoting high practice standards and professional development in their careers.

How to apply?

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

Deadline for applications is midday, Friday 4 July.