LSB looks to equality, diversity and inclusion

The Legal Services Board (LSB) business plan 2023/24 will continue to focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the profession.

“We note that the LSB’s continued focus on EDI aligns with the Law Society’s priorities,” said Law Society of England and Wales president Lubna Shuja.

“We would, however, like to see a stronger focus on the LSB’s core statutory functions under the Legal Services Act 2007. This should include publishing robust evidence of effective regulatory performance by the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – and holding them to account for outcomes and costs.

“The LSB should also focus on increasing its monitoring and evaluation of LeO, to assess the impact of changes to LeO’s scheme rules and processes, to ensure these lead to a fairer deal for consumers and instil confidence in the profession in the redress mechanism.

“We welcome the LSB’s focus on understanding and addressing the problem of over-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors in the disciplinary process. We call on the oversight regulator to invest in understanding the factors behind this imbalance and address it.

“Many of the LSB’s proposed workstreams – innovation, technology, market surveillance and consumer vulnerability – are already being carried out by regulators and the profession. We encourage the LSB to focus on adding value and to avoid duplication of costs in the current economic climate.

“We look forward to working closely with the LSB, the SRA and others on the delivery of the business plan, to help address some of the challenges the profession and the sector are facing.”

Notes to editors

Read the LSB’s business plan 2023/24

About the Law Society

The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.

Press office contact: Naomi Jeffreys | 020 8049 3928