Legal Services Board must enhance oversight

10 Mar 2026News

The Law Society urges the Legal Services Board to strengthen its oversight and implement a clear strategy

The Law Society of England and Wales has asserted that the Legal Services Board (LSB) needs to concentrate on its fundamental oversight responsibilities while developing a comprehensive risk-based strategy for monitoring frontline regulators. This statement comes in light of a review announced by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) aimed at ensuring the LSB's effective operation for the UK government and the public.

In its response to the call for evidence, the Law Society has advocated for several key measures. These include a focus on core responsibilities, enhanced verification of performance information from frontline regulators, and improving the current assurance model to ensure a stronger performance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The Law Society emphasised the importance of learning from recent regulatory failures and advised that the LSB adopt a pragmatic work plan that aligns with its capabilities while leveraging the expertise of partner organisations to prevent redundancy in efforts.

Mark Evans, president of the Law Society, highlighted the critical need for improved regulatory oversight, stating: “There is a clear need for stronger regulatory oversight of frontline regulators’ core compliance activities as demonstrated by the collapses of Axiom Ince and SSB Group.” He expressed concerns about the LSB’s current “light touch” assurance model introduced in 2022, which permits frontline regulators to self-report on their performance without stringent requirements for evidence.

Evans remarked: “It has also led to the LSB forming an overall positive view of the SRA’s regulatory abilities based on information provided to it by the SRA, all while major regulatory failures were taking place.” He called for the LSB to refocus its priorities on regulatory oversight, advocating for the establishment of clear expectations, the gathering and evaluation of independent evidence, and proactive intervention when standards are not met or when new risks arise.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Kennedys Law LLP fined for misconduct

Kennedys Law LLP has been fined for failing to prevent its staff from misusing client accounts

Employment tribunal delays are reshaping litigation strategy

Prolonged Tribunal backlogs are transforming employer strategy, settlement dynamics, and case management

New unit aims to combat fraud

The UK government has launched a new Online Crime Centre to combat fraud and protect the public

Government introduces support for rape victims

The UK Government is launching a new Independent Legal Advisor service for rape victims alongside courtroom reforms

Police officers challenge long-standing union ban

Police officers are resisting attempts by the Home Secretary to halt their court challenge against a statutory ban on trade union membership, asserting their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights

Government plan seen as attack on justice system

The proposal to take interest from client accounts has raised concerns about access to legal advice and justice system funding

Duncan Lewis wins important legal ruling

Duncan Lewis Solicitors achieved a landmark ruling restoring a client’s access to public funds following an unlawful Home Office condition

O'Herlihy v Taylor: court refuses late inheritance act claim after four-year delay

High Court denies permission to bring 1975 Act claim nearly five years out of time.

Crane Bank v DFCU: high court clarifies disclosure thresholds under PD 57AD

A Commercial Court judgement refines when extended disclosure orders can be challenged or varied.

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead v Cawley: High Court declines final injunction on return date pending welfare assessment

A local planning authority must demonstrate it has reassessed the balance of interests in light of emerging personal circumstances before a final injunction will be granted under section 187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Sabbagh-Parry v Secretary of State for the Home Office: deportation challenge refused as premature

High Court refuses permission for judicial review of deportation proceedings against long-term UK resident.

Piecemeal reforms cannot solve justice backlogs

The Law Society warns that piecemeal reforms of the criminal justice system will not address court backlogs

Gareth Martin comments on the arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson

Perhaps not the ‘usual suspects’ but the recent arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson were most definitely typical of the headline-grabbing events that make everyone an armchair lawyer.

CMA launches review of private dentistry

The CMA is seeking input on private dentistry, focusing on consumer experiences and pricing transparency

SJ Interview: Ben Aram

Ben Aram is UK Managing Partner at Kennedys and co-head of its Corporate & Commercial division. A solicitor specialising in international arbitration and commercial litigation, he has led the expansion of the firm’s UK corporate practice and helped launch its global ESG group. In this interview, he reflects on law-firm leadership, scaling practices, partnership governance, and the skills lawyers need in a changing market.

Power Shifts, Responsibility Holds

From AI liability and freezing injunctions to private equity governance and regulatory reform, this issue traces a legal system adapting to new pressures while keeping accountability firmly human.