The changes are intended to ensure that the rules reflect a digital and paperless focus in the SLCC’s operations and engagement with the profession, and to increase efficiency and clarify processes.

In addition, the introduction of alternative business structures in the legal services market in Scotland means the SLCC has new powers to act as the complaints body for both licensed legal services providers and approved regulators, and the updated Rules also include technical updates in relation to this new role.

The Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 sets out the duties of the SLCC to make rules as to practice and procedure. It requires the SLCC to keep the Rules under review and to vary them whenever it considers it appropriate to do so. The rules currently in force are the Rules of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission 2016.

Niki Maclean, acting chair said: “This update to our Rules is timely. Our 2020-24 strategy committed us to moving to a paperless and digital first approach, and the experience of the last few years has only underlined the importance of this.

“The amendments also respond to specific where we have identified that a change in the Rules would be desirable to update or to clarify our processes and procedures. This includes updates relating to confidentiality, the requirements to make a complaint, a focus on resolution and gender-neutral language.

“Together, these changes will ensure the SLCC is able to discharge its statutory duties as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Details on the changes from the existing 2016 SLCC rules and a full version of the 2023 SLCC rules can be viewed here.