With one in four people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem each year, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) have launched a package of support to help solicitors who may be suffering in silence.

Launched to coincide with Mental Health Awareness week, “Your health, your career” raises awareness of the support available to solicitors and highlights the importance of managing the risks of ill health early to stop problems spiralling out of control.

The SRA has pointed out that it is able to offer solicitors tailored sensitive support for individuals if it is looking into them or their firm. Among the support on offer is:

• A one-stop shop webpage providing help and signposting to support;
• A commitment to understanding each individual’s needs if they are struggling to cope. This could include a dedicated person to work with them and tailor processes to suit their requirements;
• Extending deadlines where possible and ensuring communication is sensitively handled
• Practical, helpful advice from the Professional Ethics team; and
• Small firm’s call-back service to discuss any regulatory matters.

Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive said:

“Solicitors have responsible and challenging roles, often in high pressure environments. That can take its toll on health and wellbeing, which can have a real impact at work. As the regulator, we want to make sure solicitors are properly supported to do the best job they can. That means making it as easy as possible for people to let us know if things are getting difficult, and to find the right support at the right time.

 

“And I want to make sure that we are understanding and sensitive to anyone with a wellbeing issue who finds themselves under investigation by us. The number of solicitors we investigate is, of course, very small, but we know just how stressful it can be and all the more so if someone is unwell.

 

“So we are putting in place a package of measures to help. We can provide a dedicated person to work with, talk regularly, look at extending deadlines when we can, signpost to help, and communicate in a way that suits best.

 

“Please call us, look at our one-stop shop on our website and above all do not hesitate to get help.”

The SRA’s web page “Your Health, Your Career” can be found at www.sra.org.uk/support/