Information Sheets > The Legal Aid Scheme

THE FRANCHISING SPECIFICATION
The Franchising Specification sets out the arrangements for the Legal Aid Board's franchising scheme. Its objective is to work in partnership with suppliers of legal services to provide a cost effective, competitively priced and quality assured service. The Specification is a quality management system designed to cover case work within the categories of work for which legal aid may be granted. It also applies to the management of the practice as a whole but not to case work outside the province of legal aid. The Specification is based upon the Law Society's Practice Management Standards but is rather more detailed. Please note that Allery Scotts can provide additional Client Information Sheets on and the comparison between, the Franchising Specification, Practice Management Standards and ISO 9000.

THE SPECIFICATION IS AIMED AT YOUR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NOT AT THE SERVICES
The requirements of the Specification state WHAT must be done - not HOW it is to be done. As every practice operates differently, there can be no "off the shelf" solution. Indeed, to try to impose another firm's system would be a recipe for disaster. The key is to build on existing good practices - not to re-invent the wheel. Having developed your own method of working (in accordance with the Specification), then adherence to it assures a constant and consistent level of service for your clients.

HOW WE CAN HELP
We can help you and your staff to focus quickly on those few elements of your systems that may need to be improved to meet the requirements of the Franchising Specification.

STEP ONE WE ASSESS YOUR EXISTING PRACTICES
Our first task is to review your existing practices to establish where they already meet the requirements of the Specification. Most firms are surprised to learn that they are much closer to the requirements of the Specification than they think.

STEP TWO WE DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN AND PROGRAMME
The action plan and programme outlines the steps necessary and the time required to bring the quality system up to standard and identifies the people who will need to be involved.

STEP THREE DOCUMENTATION
Experience shows that this will be the area requiring most attention, even if you have already taken the trouble to write a Practice Manual. However, we will avoid bureaucratic systems by helping you to keep documentation to the essential minimum, otherwise your staff will not use it.

STEP FOUR IMPLEMENTATION
As each part of the system is developed it must be introduced into operation and any snags removed. In this way you will be sure that you have got it right prior to a formal audit by the Legal Aid Board.

STEP FIVE DUMMY AUDIT
Having an independent auditor for a final review phase (just prior to the formal audit) has proved to be extremely useful so that everyone knows what to expect.

THE BENEFITS OF THE LEGAL AID FRANCHISING SCHEME
As stated previously, the franchising scheme is a quality management system, and as such it provides benefits in many areas - not just the obvious one of being a recognised supplier to the Legal Aid Board. By using the franchise logo clients can see the Firm's commitment to them in the provision of a quality service, and members of staff can see the commitment of Partners to the improvement of working practices. Some of the major benefits for franchisees are indicated below:

• Use of devolved powers to take certain decisions, within the franchised categories of work, which would otherwise have to be referred to the Area Office.
• Power to exceed the Green Form financial limit without authority within the franchised category of work.
• Full authority to commence ABWOR proceedings without reference to the Area Office.
• Full authority to take action under an emergency legal aid certificate without reference to the Area Office.
• Improvement in financial performance.
• Reduction in the expectation gap between what the client expects the solicitor to do and what the solicitor has agreed to do.
• Reduction in lost time due to ineffective practices.
• A defined level of service which can be objectively measured.
• Improved responsiveness to client needs.
• Better communication structure.
• A demonstrated commitment to providing a quality service.
• Higher repeat business/referrals due to a satisfied client base.
• Reduced probability of claims against the practice.