LSB prioritises inclusiveness, diversity, and equality

• Aparna Sreevalsan
• 9 February, 2023

The Legal Services Board (LSB)’s strategic plan for 2023/2024 will continue to focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) in the legal profession.

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

The LSB’s proposed key activities relating to ED&I in 2023/24 include:

• the need to better understand current regulatory interventions on ED&I, including addressing counter-inclusive practices.
• a plan to consult on a statement of policy that sets clear expectations on regulators’ progress.
• and plans to convene round-tables with key stakeholders on priority themes relating to ED&I.

Plans to advance the current ED&I work were included in the consultation on the LSB’s proposed new business plan, which ended on 3 February. This will help the LSB better understand current regulatory interventions, particularly how to combat counter-inclusive practices.

The LSB’s proposed new strategy, business plan, and budget for 2023/24 include plans to continue working on the following areas: the disciplinary and enforcement processes; advancing ED&I within the profession; the rule of law and professional ethics; technology; financial protections; recommendations on education and training; handling first-tier complaints; and performing statutory functions.

It also suggested creating new work-streams for consumer vulnerability, market surveillance, and horizon monitoring. According to the Law Society’s response to the LSB’s consultation, the organisation supports a number of the new work-streams that the LBS has suggested, especially those that pertain to policy areas that coincide with the Law Society’s own strategic priorities, such as technology and innovation, the rule of law, and professional ethics.

The Law Society, however, asserts that it would rather that the LSB concentrate more attention on its statutory duties, which include keeping track of regulators’ effectiveness.

The Legal Services Board is an independent body responsible for overseeing the regulation of lawyers in England and Wales.