We will publish all applications and requests for exemption under consideration, including information on current status.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to explicitly advise whether any information contained within the application is sensitive, and should therefore not be published.
Current applications / requests:
Approved Regulator:
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Application:
Application to the LSB for approval of alterations to ICAEW’s governance arrangements of legal services regulation.
Start date for 28 day initial decision period:
8 August 2025
Links to relevant documents:
Application
Appendix 1 – LSB letter re ICAEW Governance changes July 2023
Appendix 2 – FRC letter supporting governance changes June 2025
Appendix 3 – Current LSC terms of reference marked up with commentary
Appendix 4 – Draft LSC terms of reference for approval
Appendix 5 – Current RACAC terms of reference marked up with commentary
Appendix 6 – Draft RACAC terms of reference for approval
Appendix 7 – Current IRB terms of reference marked up with commentary
Appendix 8 – Draft IRB terms of reference for approval
Appendix 10 – Analysis of functions of key individuals
Decision:
Under Consideration
Approved Regulator:
The Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
Application:
Application for the LSB to approve a new Ongoing Competence Code to replace its current Continuing Professional Development Code and CPD Framework.
Start date for 28 day initial decision period:
8 August 2025
Links to relevant documents:
Application
Annex 1 – New Ongoing Competence Code (for approval)
Annex 2 – The CLC CPD Code (current) [for reference]
Annex 3 – The CLC CPD Framework (current) [for reference]
Annex 4 – Code of Conduct 2025 [for reference]
Annex 5 – Draft example website content
Annex 6(1) – Draft FAQs for CLC Lawyers
Annex 6(2) – Draft FAQs for CLC Practices
Decision:
Under Consideration
Approved Regulator:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Request:
Application to the LSB for the approval of changes to Compensation Fund contributions
Start date for 28 day initial decision period:
22 July 2025
Links to relevant documents:
Application [PDF]
Milestones:
We have issued an Extension Notice [PDF] which extends the initial decision period to 19 October 2025, pursuant to paragraph 21(5) of Schedule 4 to the Legal Services Act 2007.
Decision:
Under Consideration
Approved Regulator:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
Request:
Application to the LSB for the approval of changes to regulatory arrangements for the Higher Rights of Audience qualification
Start date for 28 day initial decision period:
16 June 2025
Links to relevant documents:
Application
Annex 1 – Combined rule changes and amendments
Annex 2- SRA public consultation on assuring advocacy standards, August 2019
Annex 3 – SRA analysis and summary of responses to the consultation on assuring advocacy standards, July 2020
Annex 4 – SRA public consultation on changes to the regulations for the Higher Rights of Audience qualification, March 2025
Annex 5 – SRA analysis and summary of responses to the consultation on changes to the regulations for the Higher Rights of Audience qualification, May 2025
Milestones:
We have issued an Extension Notice [PDF] which extends the initial decision period to 13 September 2025, pursuant to paragraph 21(5) of Schedule 4 to the Legal Services Act 2007.
Decision:
Under Consideration