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In keeping with the SRA rules on firm based corporate responsibility, it is noted that firms as well as individual solicitors will be required to sign the annual declaration. It will therefore not only be the responsibility of individual solicitors, but also that of the firm's COLP to ensure that the appropriate training at every level throughout the firm is orchestrated, met, recorded and available for inspection should the need arise whether through SRA spot checks or in the event the spectre of disciplinary proceedings loom large. The latter of course connoting the risk of harsh bi-lateral firm based as well as individual fines sanctions and penalties for transgressions.

In my view, it would ill behove any solicitor or COLP, whether a sole practitioner or a member of a larger practice to shirk their professional responsibility to sufficiently arm and equip themselves for the rigours of professional life by failing to actively participate in CPD updating.

Practitioners should not underestimate the fact that what may at first blush appear to be a much more relaxed and flexible approach by the SRA, brings with it the need for each of us to take responsibility to think more laterally and resourcefully about our ongoing training and professional development, not only as to content, but as to quality, duration and relevance.

The underlying point is that this all comes down to being risk averse and an attractive proposition for our PII underwriters. I for one will continue to actively and diligently pursue my annual CPD requirements and ensure that all members of my firm do so. For the same reason, neither will I jettison the need for an independent audit of my firm by a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

JPS.