Legal Services Board approves IPS’s work-based learning scheme

04 April 2013

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has approved an application submitted by ILEX Professional Standards (IPS) to change the current qualifying employment requirements for admission as a Chartered Legal Executive to a new method of effective work-based learning.

The scheme is comprised of a new set of learning outcomes for members to meet in their workplace for the skills aspects of achieving Fellowship status as Chartered Legal Executive. The CILEx route to qualification, recognised as the foremost vocational route into a career in law, places an emphasis on learning in the workplace. Developing these practical skills puts a newly qualified Chartered Legal Executive at a distinct advantage when working in the complex legal world. The IPS scheme sets out the expectations placed on Chartered Legal Executives to ensure they are competent in their area of specialism and upon qualifying have demonstrated a minimum of three years of meeting the high standards laid down in the scheme.

Approving the application, the LSB said: “The LSB welcomes the outcomes-focussed approach adopted by IPS to introduce a work-based learning scheme based on a set of learning outcomes which reflect the key competencies required to become a newly qualified Fellow. … The LSB also concurs with the IPS view that an application process which is based on transparent and agreed criteria in the form of eight agreed work based learning outcomes will ensure the application process for Fellowship is more robust and objective, and therefore fairer to the applicant.”

Thelma Brown, IPS Board Member, said: “IPS’s decision to introduce the new scheme reflects our wish to give further assurance to the public of the very high quality of Chartered Legal Executives, who combine high academic qualifications with practical experience. This development marks our commitment to place public protection at the heart of regulation. It is very pleasing to note the LSB’s endorsement of both our approach and our methodology.”

CILEx Members will be able to apply under the new scheme from 24 June 2013, and IPS will be producing detailed guidance in the next few weeks.

ENDS