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How we can help you make a complaint

How we can help you make a complaint

What we can do

We provide a final independent response for those complaints about the SRA’s complaint handling that cannot be resolved internally (at stage 1 and stage 2). Once a response is available it is final and not subject to any appeal or review.

 

We also provide independent oversight of the way that the SRA carries out its complaints handling functions – we do this by conducting an independent audit of SRA’s complaints handling

 

Please note that as part of this service we do not overturn or change any decision made by the SRA. If that is what you are seeking, please use another forum for this. The ICRS only considers the quality of service provided by the SRA in their stage 1 and stage 2 complaint responses.

How do we do it?

For those cases that the Independent Complaints Reviewer decides are appropriate for review, they will conduct a review of the papers to consider whether:

  • the investigation conducted by the SRA was thorough and fair
  • all the relevant facts were taken into account by the SRA
  • the conclusions reached (in respect of complaints about the service provided by the SRA) were reasonable and properly explained; and
  • the investigation of the complaints about the SRA’s handling of the case was efficient and without any unnecessary delay.

 

In terms of the process, if a complaint is referred to CEDR for independent complaints review,  we will first confirm with the SRA that you have gone through their 2 internal stages. This is usually done within 7 working days. If eligible, we will then send you an Application Form for you to complete and return to CEDR. This form is also accessible via our website. Please provide relevant information with your Application Form as it is your responsibility to outline and evidence your complaint about the SRA (not an individual or law firm). CEDR do not request information on your behalf. CEDR then sends the application form to the SRA and their response is then sent to the Independent Complaints Reviewer.

What are the outcomes

Where a complaint about the SRA’s handling of the matter has been upheld or partially upheld by the Independent Complaints Reviewer, they will provide a written response for any poor service and may recommend the SRA to provide one or more of the following remedies:

 

  • an apology
  • appropriate action to rectify the situation for the complainant, such as an extension of time to respond to a deadline
  • appropriate action to improve the SRA's complaint handling practices or procedures 

*Please note that the above are recommendations and in some instances the SRA can decline to implement the recommendations.

The steps you must take before submitting a complaint

1

Contact the SRA

Customer raises a complaint with SRA in the first instance. Please note that this is a two stage process and we cannot accept a case if you haven’t been through both stages. Following SRA’s final stage 2 response, you have 20 working days to come to CEDR.
2

Get in touch with CEDR

If a complaint is referred to CEDR for independent complaints review, we will first confirm with the SRA that you have gone through their two internal stages. This is usually done within 7 working days. If eligible, we will then send you an Application Form for you to complete and return to CEDR. This form is also accessible via our website. Please provide relevant information about your complaint against the SRA (not an individual or law firm) with your Application Form as it is your responsibility to outline and evidence your complaint about the SRA. CEDR do not request any information on your behalf.
3

Making a decision

Once we receive all the information from you, the form and any supporting evidence is sent to the SRA to respond. This response is then sent to the Independent Complaints Reviewer. Having the information from both parties, the Independent Complaints Reviewer will aim to provide a final written response within 30 working days. Please note, that in some instances, due to the nature and complexity of some of these matters, a final response may not be available until after 30 working days has passed. If after 45 working days has lapsed after receipt of all information, the ICR will write to both parties to advise them of the reasons for the delay. Once a final written response is published, the matter is closed by CEDR with no appeals. Complainants are able to take their matter to another forum, such as court, if they wish to continue their complaint against the SRA further.
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Are you a business?

CEDR can provide dispute resolution services for business in most sectors.

  • Fast, and cost effective solutions
  • Provided at a sustainable cost
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