Operational Plan 2020–2023 – Review of Activities in 2020 and Planned Activities for 2021
In late 2019 the Tribunal published its Strategic and Operational Plans for 2020-2023. At the time the plans were written, we could not have begun to imagine how 2020 would unfold, and the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic would have on the Tribunal and on thousands of other UK businesses.
Publication Of Guidance Notes On Sanctions, Other Powers and Appeals
On 14 December 2020 the SDT's Policy Committee, led by the President of the Tribunal Edward Nally, published the 8th Edition of its Guidance Note on Sanctions.
Lubna Shuja, SDT Deputy Clerk, Appointed As Deputy Vice-President of the Law Society
Lubna has been a highly valued member of the SDT clerking team since May 2007 . Having been elected as Deputy Vice-President of the Law Society on 14 October 2020 Lubna will be leaving us in order to take up her new office.
COVID 19: Hearings in Gate House
Following the closure of the Tribunal’s offices and courtrooms, from 7 September 2020, the majority of our hearings continue to be held remotely. Please do not attend the Tribunal unless you have been notified that your hearing is taking place at Gate House.
Retirement of Jim Astle and Stephen Howe
September sees the retirement of two of the SDT’s Members. Jim Astle, Solicitor Member of the SDT since 2009, retired on 14 September 2020 and Stephen Howe, Lay Member of the SDT since 2006, formally retired at the same time.
Updated User Guidance in respect of Remote and Hybrid Hearings
The Tribunal is now operating remote and hybrid hearings. To assist all parties the Tribunal has updated its Zoom User Guide to provide guidance for those participating in remote hearings and for those attending a hybrid hearing remotely.
SDT Re-Accredited As An Investor In People
Following an online re-assessment visit in early August 2020, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has maintained its Investors in People status at the Standard level, with an increase in the number of Indicators achieving higher performance levels.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
The Tribunal has published its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2020–2023, setting out its diversity priorities and objectives for the next three years.
Updated Practice Direction in respect of Remote and Hybrid Hearings
In response to the coronavirus outbreak the Tribunal introduced remote hearings. Whilst the majority of hearings will continue to take place remotely for the foreseeable future the Tribunal will be listing a small number of “hybrid” hearings at Gate House from September 2020.
The Tribunal’s offices and courtrooms at Gate House are currently closed until further notice in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Please do not attend the Tribunal until further notice.