The public will be asked their views on the Solicitors Regulation Authority as part of a major perceptions survey starting this week.
IFF Research, an independent market research agency, has been commissioned to undertake the survey, which the SRA will use to improve the way it provides services in the future. The first stage involves canvassing the views of those that have either complained about a solicitor or made enquiries about using their services.
The survey, which is the first of its kind undertaken by the SRA, will also go to law firms, solicitors and trainees later in the project. The survey is a mixture of general questions and sections specific to each group so the SRA can gather a full range of perceptions and experiences.
Jane Malcolm, SRA Executive Director for External Affairs, said: “We regulate in the public interest and it’s essential we do everything we can to understand the views and experiences of people who have been in touch with us. We will use their feedback to improve the services we provide.
“Gathering the opinions and perceptions of the profession, and those coming in to the profession, is also key.”
IFF has written to those identified as being able to help to see if they are willing to take part in the research project. This will involve a short, 15-minute interview over the telephone, with all information received being completely anonymised.
The survey runs until the end of July, and the findings are due to be reported later in the year.
