The LAA will be increasing the length of the SQM accreditation period from 3 years to 5 years. This will mean SQM holders will not have to be audited as often to maintain their accreditation. The change will reduce the level of administration on these providers while maintaining quality.
When will this change take place?
Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Will the change apply to my SQM?
Legal services providers need to go through the following stages to obtain their SQM accreditation
Before their accreditation comes to an end, they need to have a Post-Quality Mark Audit to continue to hold the SQM.
The new accreditation period will apply to any SQM where a Pre-Quality Mark Audit or Post-Quality Mark Audit takes place on or after 1 October 2025. SQM accreditation awarded or renewed in these circumstances will last 5 years instead of 3 years.
Can you provide a worked example?
The example below shows how the change to the 5-year accreditation period might apply to a provider applying for the SQM
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Provider passes the Desktop Audit on 10 June 2025
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Provider applies for Pre-Quality Mark Audit on 15 September 2025
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The Pre-Quality Mark Audit takes place on 3 October 2025
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Provider is awarded the SQM on 8 October 2025
In this situation, the provider would be awarded the SQM for 5 years from 8 October 2025. Had the Pre-Quality Mark Audit taken place before 1 October 2025 then the SQM accreditation would only last 3 years.
Where can I find out more?
It is important that providers holding the SQM familiarise themselves with these rules. They can speak to Recognising Excellence, the company that runs the SQM scheme on behalf of the LAA, if they have any questions.
Further information
Legal Aid Agency quality standards – for information on the SQM Standard and Guidance
SQM – Recognising Excellence – for information on how to apply for the SQM through Recognising Excellence
