The SRA Handbook is no longer in effect. It was replaced by the SRA Standards and Regulations on 25 November 2019.
SRA Handbook
Suspension of requirements
Back to version 21Version 6 of the Handbook was published on 01/01/2013. For more information, please click 'History' Above
Part 7: Suspension of requirements
Regulation 12: Suspension of CPD requirement
- 12.1
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If you do not work for any period in legal practice or employment in England and Wales, the application of these regulations may be suspended for that period.
- 12.2
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You may suspend your CPD requirements in the following circumstances:
- 12.3
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Any training undertaken during the suspension will not count towards your CPD requirement upon your return to legal practice or employment.
- 12.4
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It is not necessary to notify us of the intention to suspend the CPD requirements.
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Guidance note to 12.2:
- (i)
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This would apply where you are in a role in which you are not required to give legal advice to:
- (a)
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a member of the public;
- (b)
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a company;
- (c)
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an internal department;
- (d)
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an officer or member of staff, or representative of your organisation.
- (ii)
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This applies regardless of whether the employment is paid or voluntary and whether or not a practising certificate is held.
- (iii)
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This also covers time when you are out of legal practice or employment, whether or not you hold a current practising certificate, due to unemployment, maternity/paternity leave, long-term illness and/or working abroad.
- (iv)
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If you are a retired solicitor you are eligible to suspend the CPD requirements, provided you do not practise or undertake legal work of any description, whether paid or unpaid. If you are a retired solicitor acting as a consultant, or who undertakes pro-bono or voluntary work of a legal nature you are not entitled to suspend the CPD requirements.
Guidance note to 12.4:
- (i)
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It is for you to decide whether or not you want to suspend your CPD requirements. Consideration of the following may be of assistance:
- (a)
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the length of time you will be out of practice or legal employment;
- (b)
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the amount of credit already accrued during the CPD year or first three years after admission in which the suspension would begin;
- (c)
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the availability of courses/access to training while out of practice;
- (d)
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your financial circumstances and whether you would be required to fund the training yourself.