A tender opens on 27 January 2022 to deliver auditing services for the Specialist Quality Mark.
The tender is open to any interested party that can meet the minimum tender requirements. We are seeking to award one contract for the delivery of this work across England and Wales.
We are also updating the SQM standard and SQM guidance. These changes will come into effect on 1 October 2022.
Timescales
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tender opens on 27 January 2022
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deadline for submitting tenders is 5pm on 10 March 2022
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services under the new contract will begin on 1 October 2022
What is the SQM?
The SQM is the organisational quality standard owned by the LAA. It is designed to ensure providers of legal services:
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are well managed
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give good levels of client care
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deliver good quality advice through appropriate systems
It is a requirement for legal aid contract holders to hold either the SQM or the Law Society’s equivalent ‘Lexcel’ accreditation.
Where can I find out more?
Detailed information on the tender is available in the ‘Information for Applicants’ document on our tender pages.
Information on the updates to the SQM standard and SQM guidance can be found on the ‘Legal Aid Agency quality standards’ page on our website.
Further information
Specialist quality mark service from October 2022 – to download ‘Information for Applicants’ document