Following the significant level of opposition to the Police Station Duty Scheme there were further meetings of the Deans of Faculties and Bar Associations where certain ‘minimum’ acceptable changes were discussed.   This allowed the Law Society Negotiating Team to meet with The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and for improved conditions to be agreed.  5 of the 6 minimum points have been agreed. The 6th, while not agreed, is to be subject of review.The Team reported back at another Deans’ meeting where the vast majority of opinion was that the new (but still interim) scheme was now in an acceptable format such as would allow the Society to recommend to solicitors that they could now engage with the scheme. Accordingly, while the scheme is still an interim scheme and despite still having many significant concerns about the Regulatory background and the practical operation of the scheme, I can now indicate to G.B.A. members that if they are minded to join this scheme (and for many with family commitments, disabilities, etc. that will not even be an option) then it would be appropriate to do so now.   This will allow the interim plans to be considered and put in place while the necessary Regulations are drafted, laid and passed.

Ken Waddell
President