Changes to legal aid supervision requirements
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has made changes to the 2017 standard crime contract in relation to remote working for supervisors.
From 1 November 2021, supervisors must be accessible to those they supervise during working hours.
This replaces the old requirement for supervisors to be physically in the office (when not attending court, meeting clients and so on).
Designated office days and supervision
Supervisors must designate at least one day per month to be in each office where you supervise staff. This day must coincide with attendance by the staff being supervised.
Where a supervisor and caseworker(s) are not based in the same location, the supervisor must conduct, as a minimum, face-to-face supervision at least once per calendar month. Both parties must be present in the same physical location.
Introducing the changes
If you experience any issues, providers should discuss these with your contract manager.
Contract managers are responsible for making decisions on the contract in a reasonable and proportionate manner.