Home information packs (HIPs), referral fees, age discrimination and implementing the training framework review are all to fall under the gaze of the Law Society Regulation Board this year, it emerged last week.

A 2006 work plan presented to the board's meeting in London highlighted a host of issues under consideration, including the need to produce guidance on HIPs as soon as possible.


It will cover issues such as conflicts of interest, the best interests of clients, client information and referrals.


On referral fees, the board should decide at its meeting in July whether to begin a review of the rules. This will be based on a report from the practice standards unit, which has been conducting themed visits of law firms to acquire proper data on how the rules are working.


Among other changes, the Solicitors Anti-Discrimination Rules are to be revised in line with the forthcoming age discrimination laws, which come into force in October.


The board announced last month plans to implement a more flexible legal practice course, following on from the training framework review (see [2006] Gazette, 25 May, 4). The plan said it will also work on the proposal to introduce centrally set assessments for the professional conduct, and financial and business skills modules, for which students will not have to follow a prescribed course.


In addition, the board will pilot a new approach to assessing performance in practice prior to admission with a view to a wider roll-out. This is in line with the review's overall aim to focus more on the skills and knowledge would-be solicitors have at the point of qualification.


Other issues on the agenda include a review of the minimum salary for trainee solicitors and a rule change that would make it clear that solicitors can enter agreements that restrict their freedom to recommend any particular firm, agency or business in relation to certain types of insurance products and mortgages.