Applications open for inquest training course
The UK Legal Aid Agency has opened applications for training providers to submit inquest training courses for approval, following updated legal aid expansion criteria.
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is inviting training providers to submit inquest training courses for approval, aligning with new legal aid criteria under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. Providers must employ a part-time equivalent supervisor meeting a legal competence standard for the new inquest category of law. The LAA has published final criteria after analysing survey responses to draft proposals, ensuring transparency in the approval process. Applications are now open to allow providers sufficient time to prepare courses before legal practitioners begin enrolling.
The new inquest category of law was introduced to expand legal aid access, requiring providers to meet specific training and supervision standards. The LAA previously sought public feedback on draft criteria before finalising requirements for course approval. Legal practitioners will need to complete approved courses to demonstrate competence in the new inquest category. The guidance outlines the application process for training providers seeking LAA approval for their courses.
The LAA has published two guidance documents to support applicants: one detailing how to submit a training course for approval and another explaining the introduction of the inquest category of law. These documents provide step-by-step instructions for providers navigating the approval process. The final criteria reflect feedback from stakeholders, ensuring the training meets the needs of legal practitioners. Approved courses will enable practitioners to meet the legal competence standard for inquest work.
Legal practitioners will be able to enrol in approved inquest training courses once providers secure LAA approval. The LAA’s move aims to standardise training quality under the expanded legal aid framework. Providers must adhere to the published criteria to ensure their courses meet the required legal competence standards. The application window remains open for training providers to submit their courses for review.