The number of potential misconduct reports coming into the Solicitors Regulation Authority has continue to soar to unprecedented levels, new figures have revealed.
In the six months to the end of April the regulator reviewed 8,955 reports about potential misconduct at an average of 1,493 new reports a month. This is 58% more reports than recorded for the same period just two years ago. In those six months, 1,322 reports (at an average of 220 a month) were escalated from the assessment team for formal investigation.
This level of referrals has increased by 41% on two years ago, when an average of 156 cases a month were being referred to investigators.
In total, as of the end of April, the SRA was handling on-going investigations linked to 1,844 reports of potential misconduct.
The SRA has repeatedly talked about the rising level of reports in the last year and the effect this is having on its stretched resources. The cause is not established for certain, although it has been suggested that generative AI could be helping more people to bring complaints in greater volume.
Jonathan Peddie, executive director for investigations, enforcement and litigation, said: ‘We’ve seen an unprecedented increase in the reports we receive, putting significant pressure on our approach and resources. In the short term, we have diverted resources from elsewhere, but this isn’t sustainable as we need strength in all areas. As outlined in our recently published draft business plan, we need to consider a range of fundamental changes to the way we work in response to this changing dynamic. This will ensure we can continue to protect the public and uphold confidence in legal services.’
The SRA set out in its business plan last week that it needs to invest in technology, improve senior expertise and add capacity, capability and skills in key areas to deal with the influx of misconduct reports. This will include bringing in greater automation to prioritise cases that should be referred.
The regulator will consult on a revised test for when reports should lead to an investigation and a review of the existing caseload to confirm cases being pursued are proportionate, well-founded and have strong prospects of success. The budget for investigations and enforcement will increase from £36.2m to £40.4m in the next financial year.
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