Legal aid firms across the country will be asked to take part in a workforce survey this summer as part of a wider project to develop national occupational standards for legal advisers.

The National Occupational Standards for Legal Advice (NOS4Advice) project aims to gather information on the demographic profile, skill levels and shortages, recruitment and retention problems, barriers to training and education, and continuing professional development of those who deliver publicly funded legal advice.


The project also seeks to develop a framework for individual professional development, benchmarking, and accreditation that can be used by advisers across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Work has also started on establishing a blueprint for foundation degrees in legal advice.


With funding from the European Social Fund, NOS4Advice has brought together the major not-for-profit advice networks, the Law Society, the Institute of Legal Executives and the Local Government Association.


A standards steering group comprising representatives from bodies including the Law Centres Federation, the Legal Services Commission and the Refugee Council, was set up to help ensure the project achieves its goals.


Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva said: 'We know that while many students are attracted to work in the legal aid sector, they are deterred by the uncertainty of funding and low pay.


'The survey will help us to develop strategies to ensure a future supply of lawyers in this important area of work.'


A set of draft standards and knowledge-specific requirements will be put out for consultation in September 2005. To take part advisers should visit www.nos4advice.org.uk.