'Legacy of inaccurate data' to blame for mySRA delays

The SRA has blamed a 'legacy of inaccurate data' in its latest explanation for the series of delays that have blighted the launch of its mySRA online renewal system.

In the latest statement on its website, headed 'mySRA: we're sorry for the delays', the regulator said it appreciated that the problems had caused 'frustration and inconvenience to many of you'.

The SRA said this had been 'exacerbated by long call waiting times caused by the volume of calls to the contact centre' and, despite extended opening times, callers had still experienced 'unacceptable levels of delays'.

The statement continued: 'Unforeseen difficulties, including a legacy of inaccurate data dating back several decades, have hampered our performance. But the good news is that we are now making significant progress.

'The deadline for online renewals has now closed, but firms or individuals who have experienced difficulties with their renewals, due to issues with the system, can still complete their applications.

'In mid-March, we will write to those firms and individuals who have failed to complete the renewals process, outlining the revocation process.'

In the SRA's latest email update, Antony Townsend, chief executive, issued a 'personal apology' to solicitors.

'The long-term benefits of mySRA are numerous, but I fully understand that this has been an unsatisfactory process for many.'

Meanwhile, contact centre coach Nathan Kerr (pictured) has been praised for helping solicitors understand how best to tackle the intricacies of mySRA.

Townsend said he was 'pleased to report' that a video featuring Kerr, which explains how to use mySRA, had been viewed more than 8,000 times.