Regulatory and Professional Discipline

Professional Bodies

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Council of England and Wales

The Law Society of England and Wales (LSEW) delegated all regulatory functions of the solicitors' profession to the Solicitors Regulation Authority in January 2006.  The SRA's role is to act in the public interest setting, monitoring and enforcing standards for solicitors across England and Wales. The LSEW has retained its function of supporting solicitors both in their careers and in their practices.

Professional ethical issues are central to the current debates on the regulation of the legal profession and the delivery of legal services and Kingsley Napley lawyers have advised both the regulatory and representative arms of the solicitors' professional bodies on these issues. We have drafted practice notes to the profession on behalf of the Law Society, interpreting solicitors' duties and ethics, and have  drafted guidance for the SRA, most particularly in relation to money laundering. We also assist the Law Society by participating in consultation groups and representative committees. Stephen Gentle is a member of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force and Christopher Murray, Michael Caplan QC and Stephen Gentle provide advice on the Law Society's Money Laundering helpline.

Our experience in advising the Law Society and the SRA, makes us uniquely placed to advise solicitors who are subject to SRA regulatory investigation and proceedings. 

We are also experienced in representing barristers in Bar Council disciplinary proceedings.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

The accountancy profession is regulated by a number of bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Institute of Chartered Certified Accountants (ICCA), The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountant (CIPFA). Each body has its own procedure for handling complaints and disciplining members whose professional and ethical standards fall below reasonable expectations. We are able to advise accountants when they are investigated or brought before their professional body in disciplinary proceedings.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was established in 2001 to manage the licensing of the private security industry, which includes professions such as: door supervisors, vehicle immobilisers and security guards.  The SIA's role is to issue licences, raise standards and promote best practise.

Kingsley Napley have been instructed by the SIA since its inception and in addition to advising on law and policy matters, we represent the SIA in both the Magistrate and Crown courts in appeals against licence refusals.  Our team of advocates carry out this work in the London courts and we have an established network of high-quality agents in place throughout the rest of England, Wales and Scotland.  We also act for the SIA in relation to appeals by companies against refusal or withdrawal of Approved Contractor Status, a Kite mark awarded by the SIA.

When an individual works without a licence or a company employs individuals who are not licensed, the SIA have the power to undertake criminal prosecutions.  We advise the SIA in relation to such proceedings.

Chief Police Officers' Staff Association (CPOSA)

Kingsley Napley are the appointed representatives of CPOSA, acting for its members in respect of disciplinary and employment issues. CPOSA is the staff association for all senior police officers of the rank of Assistant Chief Constable and above.

Architects Registration Board

Michael Caplan QC and Nicola Hill are Clerks to the Architects Registration Board's Professional Conduct Committee. They advise the Committee at hearings into allegations of unacceptable professional conduct and serious professional incompetence made against architects.