The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is consulting on proposed changes to the competence framework that defines the standards expected of solicitors throughout their professional careers. The review also covers the legal knowledge requirements that underpin the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, as the regulator seeks to keep both elements relevant to the changing demands of legal practice.
What is the SRA reviewing?
The SRA announced the consultation on 8 October 2026. It is seeking feedback on two connected elements: the Statement of Solicitor Competence and Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK).
The Statement of Solicitor Competence describes what solicitors need to be able to do to deliver competent legal services. It applies from qualification and remains relevant throughout a solicitor’s career. Solicitors use the framework when considering their continuing competence and identifying areas in which they may need to develop their knowledge or skills.
The framework was originally introduced in April 2015. It comprises the Statement of Solicitor Competence, the Statement of Knowledge setting out the required functioning legal knowledge, and the Threshold Standard, which describes the level of competence expected at qualification.
The proposed review is intended to ensure that the standards continue to reflect the realities of modern legal services while maintaining public confidence in the profession.
Why is the framework being updated?
The legal sector continues to change as technology develops, firms adopt new ways of delivering services and new risks emerge. The SRA says its competence framework needs to keep pace with these developments without losing sight of the high standards expected by clients and the public.
The regulator developed its proposals following engagement with nearly 150 solicitors, law firms, educators, representative bodies and academics. The consultation provides an opportunity for a wider range of stakeholders to comment before the final versions are prepared.
The SRA’s stated aim is to maintain a practical and relevant framework that helps solicitors, employers and educators understand what competent practice requires. The consultation is focused on updating the framework and legal knowledge requirements; the SRA says it is not seeking changes to its rules or regulatory arrangements through this consultation.
Which areas of solicitor competence could change?
The SRA has identified several areas in which it is considering updates to the Statement of Solicitor Competence.
- Technology and artificial intelligence: proposed revisions are intended to reflect the changing role of technology and AI in legal services.
- Supervision: the review considers the competence expectations relevant to supervising legal work and supporting appropriate standards of practice.
- Health and wellbeing: proposed changes address health and wellbeing as part of the wider competence framework.
- Professional conduct and ethics: the SRA is considering updates to the expectations surrounding ethical and professional behaviour.
These areas are part of the regulator’s proposed revisions and should not be treated as new binding rules. The consultation is intended to gather views before the SRA finalises the framework.
The SRA is also inviting feedback on potential changes to Functioning Legal Knowledge, including proposals to clarify existing material and add or remove content where appropriate.
What is Functioning Legal Knowledge?
Functioning Legal Knowledge sets out the core legal principles and rules that candidates taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination must understand and be able to apply. It forms part of the knowledge framework underpinning the SQE and is distinct from the wider competence statement used throughout a solicitor’s career.
The FLK was first published in 2020 and is divided into FLK1 and FLK2. The SRA has reviewed it annually since 2023, making changes where the law has developed or where clarification has been needed in response to feedback from stakeholders.
The current consultation considers whether further changes are required to ensure that the legal knowledge expected of candidates remains clear, appropriate and aligned with the demands of safe legal practice.
The SRA’s review is therefore relevant not only to qualified solicitors and law firms, but also to educators, training providers and candidates preparing for the SQE.
What is the consultation timeline?
The SRA has set out a timetable for gathering feedback, publishing the final framework documents and implementing any resulting changes.
- The original competence statement was introduced.
- The SRA announced the consultation on proposed revisions to the competence statement and FLK.
- The consultation is scheduled to close at 23.59.
- The SRA expects to publish the final versions of the Statement of Solicitor Competence and FLK, together with its response to the consultation.
- The proposed changes are expected to take effect.
- The timetable is aligned with SQE1 assessments taking place under the updated framework.
The final documents will follow consideration of consultation responses. The proposals remain subject to the consultation process, and the final published framework will confirm the changes adopted.
Solicitors, firms, educators, training providers and other interested stakeholders can find details of the consultation and how to respond on the SRA’s official consultation page.
What does this mean for solicitors and law firms?
The proposed revisions could affect how solicitors and employers understand and apply the competence standards, as well as how educators and training providers prepare candidates for qualification. The consultation also gives the profession an opportunity to identify areas where the framework may need greater clarity or better reflect current working practices.
For practising solicitors, the existing obligation to maintain competence continues to apply. The SRA’s announcement does not itself introduce new binding requirements. Instead, the regulator is asking for views on how the framework should be updated to remain useful throughout a solicitor’s career.
Firms and supervisors may wish to review the proposals and consider whether the suggested changes have implications for training, supervision or professional development. SQE candidates and educators may also wish to examine the proposed FLK revisions as part of their preparation and curriculum planning.
The outcome will depend on the consultation responses and the final documents published by the SRA. Until then, the proposed revisions should be distinguished from the competence standards and regulatory obligations currently in force.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SRA competence framework?
It sets out the standards of competence expected of solicitors from qualification and throughout their careers. It also includes the knowledge requirements and threshold standard associated with qualification.
Why is the SRA updating the framework?
The SRA wants the framework to reflect developments in legal services, including technology and AI, while maintaining professional standards and public confidence.
Which subjects are included in the proposed review?
The proposed revisions include technology and AI, supervision, health and wellbeing, professional conduct and ethics. The SRA is also considering changes to Functioning Legal Knowledge, including clarification and potential additions or removals of content.
When does the consultation close?
The consultation opened on 8 October 2026 and is scheduled to close at 23.59 on 3 December 2026.
When will the updated framework take effect?
The SRA expects to publish the final versions in April 2027, with proposed changes taking effect in September 2027. The timetable is aligned with SQE1 assessments in January 2028.
Do the proposals introduce new regulatory rules immediately?
No. The SRA says the consultation is not seeking changes to rules or regulatory arrangements. The proposals are being considered before the final framework is published.