The SRA has published guidance to support applicants tendering for criminal legal aid services contracts.

The guidance covers key considerations firms need to keep in mind when applying for Own Client Contracts and Duty Provider Crime Contracts and covers:

• Mergers and acquisitions;
• Firms’ responsibilities relating to notification and authorisation requirements; and
• Risks associated with information security and IT.

The guidance, entitled “Criminal Legal Aid – considerations when applying for a contract” can be found on the SRA web site.

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the information for applicants that has been issued by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) and whihc can be fopund on the Ministry of Justice web site.