The SRA Handbook is no longer in effect. It was replaced by the SRA Standards and Regulations on 25 November 2019.
SRA Handbook
Taking of trainees
Back to version 21Version 1 of the Handbook was published on 16/09/2011. For more information, please click 'History' Above
Regulation 4: Taking of trainees
- 4.1
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You may only enter into a training contract with an individual if:
- (a)
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you have been authorised as a training establishment under regulation 2;
- (b)
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you are satisfied that the individual has current and valid student enrolment;
- (c)
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you comply with regulation 8.2; and
- (d)
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you set out in a letter of offer to the individual key information as to the terms and conditions to be included in the training contract.
- 4.2
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You may enter into a training contract with an individual only if the training contract is in such form and containing such terms and conditions as we may from time to time prescribe.
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Guidance notes:
- (i)
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In order to comply with regulation 4.1(b), it is not necessary to contact us. It is sufficient for you to see the certificate of enrolment (usually a certifying letter issued by us) provided by the individual.
- (ii)
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Best practice requires that the following information should be set out within the letter of offer, in addition to any other information that may be useful for the prospective trainee:
- (a)
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the type of training contract, with start and end dates;
- (b)
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starting salary and arrangements for salary review;
- (c)
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any conditions to which the offer is subject, for example confirmation of satisfactory completion of the LPCor student enrolment;
- (d)
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fees your organisation will pay in respect of re-sits and re-attendance on the PSC (you are required to pay for the first attempt);
- (e)
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any probationary period before the training contract is signed;
- (f)
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how training will be organised, such as the nature of your organisation's practice, the areas of law and the skills in which the trainee will gain experience;
- (g)
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whether the trainee will work in separate seats and, if so, how this will be arranged;
- (h)
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how long the trainee should expect to spend on each area of law;
- (i)
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details of any secondments-see regulation 11 and the accompanying guidance note;
- (j)
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if the training contract is a modular training contract, full details of the arrangements-see regulation 12 and its attached guidance;
- (k)
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any other benefits, including benefits in kind, sickness benefit, holiday entitlement;
- (l)
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hours of work and office hours; and
- (m)
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any arrangements for continuing employment on completion of the training contract.