The body responsible for appointing new silks has kicked off the QC selection process for 2007, unveiling simplified criteria for applicants hoping to obtain the revamped kitemark.

The nine-member QC selection panel, chaired by Sir Duncan Nichol, is inviting barrister and solicitor candidates to apply from today (12 December), with a revised competency framework designed to streamline the selection process.

Applicants must now demonstrate their proficiency in five categories – a reduction from the seven used last year. A new 'diversity' category is introduced, while the 'working with the client' and 'working in the team' criteria become a single category of 'working with others'. Other requirements are condensed into a new category of 'oral and written advocacy'.

Only two of the old criteria – 'using and understanding the law' and 'integrity' – have been retained in their existing form.

Meanwhile, the cost of application has risen from £1,800 before VAT last year to a new mark of £2,500. Successful applicants will now pay a further £3,000, up from £2,250 last year.

The deadline for applications is 15 January, 2007, with the next round of silks set to be announced towards the end of 2007.

Last year (16 October), 175 new silks were appointed by the panel, which comprises a mixture of lay members and legal professionals, including retired senior judge Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, Harbour & Sinclair managing partner Lucy Scott-Moncrieff and Ruth Evans, chair of the Bar Standards Board.

Talkback: Will these changes improve the system? Is it too expensive?