I read with despair that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), despite yet another consultation, has backed controversial proposals to allow non-solicitors to sign client account withdrawals without any Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR) training (see [2008] Gazette, 3 July, 4). As an organisation, we responded to the consultation, strongly opposing the move. We have always proposed that all members of staff at any level who handle client monies should be trained and qualified in SAR.

SRA policy adviser Alison Crawley was quoted as saying: ‘Are firms going to force training on financial directors who are made up to partner? They already know the SAR inside out.’

It is the experience of our members that financial directors are often brought into law firms from professions not connected with law and have no idea that SAR even exist. Solicitors at every level often seek guidance from the cashiers in the firm.

Even though there was opposition on the board, backing training, the SRA went ahead anyway – does it listen to anyone? Are the results of the consultations ever published? Or is [consultation] just paying lip service on the way to the SRA doing whatever it has already decided?