How to apply

To apply for initial accreditation, your practice will need to:

• appoint a senior responsible officer (SRO)
• submit an application form

The accreditation process takes around six to eight weeks. It can take longer if we receive high volumes of applications or if you do not give us all the information we need.

Step 1: Read the Core Practice Management Standards

Check that your practice meets the Core Practice Management Standards (PDF 75 KB).

You’ll already meet these standards if your practice has the Lexcel or Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations.

Step 2: Appoint an SRO

The SRO is the person accountable to us for making sure that your practice complies with the scheme rules.

Step 3: Read the guidance

Before beginning the application, the SRO must read the:

• scheme rules (PDF 361 KB)
• guidance notes (PDF 377 KB)
• Wills and Inheritance Protocol (PDF 360 KB)

Step 4: Apply for DBS checks

The SRO, head of department and other relevant persons will need to apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

A DBS check can take up to six weeks. You should apply as soon as possible, as your application will be refused if you fail to complete the process.

We can accept an existing DBS if it’s less than 12 months old when we receive your application.

Request a basic DBS check

Step 5: Complete the form

The SRO must complete the application form (Word 502 KB) for the practice.

Each additional relevant person must complete a separate application form:

• new SRO or head of wills, probate and estate administration (Word 1.4 MB)
• additional managers (Word 1.2 MB)
• additional solicitors and chartered legal executives (Word 1.2 MB)
• additional non-qualified practitioners (Word 1.2 MB)
• additional accounts staff (Word 1.2 MB)

Step 6: Submit the application

Your practice’s application is made up of:

• the application form
• any additional application forms for relevant persons

Do not send files larger than 18 MB. If necessary, send your supporting documents in separate emails.

Submit your application by email

Step 7: Pay the fee

We’ll send you an invoice when we receive your application.

The fee will vary depending on the size of your practice.

Read more about the cost of WIQS

Step 8: Accreditation

Our accreditation team will assess and review your application.

We’ll let you know the outcome of your application once we’ve received your payment.

Appeals

Please note application fees are not-refundable.

You may appeal against the decision.

Read our appeals policy

Mandatory training

Once accredited, the SRO and all relevant persons must complete mandatory training.

Read more about WIQS training

Contact us

Call: 020 7316 5550

Email: wiqs@lawsociety.org.uk

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday