Regulator disowns email claiming mandatory inspection and CPD booking link
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning after an email circulated misusing its name in connection with an alleged inspection and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training.
The alert, published on 11 February 2026, follows reports that a genuine firm of solicitors received an email claiming that “all regulated law firms need to be prepared for an inspection by the Solicitors Regulation Authority”. The message invited the recipient to book CPD training through a link directing them to an external website.
The SRA confirmed that it has no connection to the invitation, the CPD training referenced, or the material linked within the email.
According to the regulator, the email misuses both the name and logo of the SRA. It also refers to a “Secured Document #REF: 00059749016SRAUK” and includes a link described as the “2026 SRA Guide”. The SRA has made clear that this reference number and guide are not associated with the organisation.
The regulator emphasised that it did not send the email in question and has no involvement in the training invitation or any inspection claims contained within it.
The SRA provided its official details to assist recipients in identifying legitimate communications. Its head office address is The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN, and its company number is 12608059. The regulator’s official website is www.sra.org.uk.
The warning highlights the risk of identity misuse, where the name and branding of a regulator or firm are copied to give credibility to fraudulent communications. The SRA advised that when a firm’s or an individual’s identity has been cloned, recipients should exercise appropriate due diligence.
Those who receive correspondence purporting to be from the SRA, or containing similar claims to those described, should independently verify its authenticity. The regulator advises contacting the relevant firm or organisation directly using reliable and established contact details rather than relying on information provided within the suspicious message.
Individuals and firms may also contact the SRA to confirm whether a solicitor or firm is regulated and authorised, and to verify practising details. In some circumstances, additional checks may be necessary, including reviewing public records such as telephone directories or company registration details.
The SRA has reiterated that it has no connection to the email described and urges recipients to verify communications carefully before engaging with links or responding to requests for information.