The Solicitors' Regulation Authority (SRA) has commissioned research into lawyers' continuing professional development (CPD), ahead of the findings of a root-and-branch review of legal education due later this year.

The regulator has appointed Westminster University law professor Andrew Boon to carry out research into the SRA's options when it comes to regulatory requirements relating to CPD, as well as looking at how to demonstrate compliance.

The objective of the review will be to create a new scheme that helps to maintain and improve solicitors' competence, performance and ethical conduct. According to the SRA, the new scheme should be targeted and based upon the principles of outcome-focused regulation and actively help solicitors to progress their careers, as well as being properly enforced.

The SRA has called for law firms to take part in the research from the beginning of the 2011/12 CPD year, which starts on 1 November.

SRA head of training Di Lawson commented:  "The current compulsory scheme was introduced in 1985 and only minor amendments have been made since that time. The findings of the project will contribute to the overall education and training review and form the basis of important changes we need to make to ensure that the whole standards of the profession are robust, ensure competence and public confidence." 

The review into CPD follows the announcement in November last year that the SRA, the Bar Standards Board and the Institute of Legal Executives Professional Standards are launching a far-reaching review of legal education and training.

The review will look at the educational requirements for entering the profession, the requirements for continuing education for practitioners, and the requirements placed on the law schools and those delivering the education to individuals and entities.