I was disappointed at the approach taken in your article of 21 September entitled ‘SRA planning surprise diversity swoops’ on our latest thematic supervision pilot on equality and diversity compliance.

The headline and initial paragraphs containing reference to ‘surprise diversity swoops’ and ‘unannounced’ visits are inaccurate and misleading. The thematic pilot is being carried out through a series of a pre-arranged visits and therefore we will be seeking the co-operation of those firms we will be visiting.

The article also suggests that this has only been a recent announcement, when in fact we have publicly said on more than one occasion that we would be carrying out this work. We see this operation very much as a two-way discussion exercise with firms where we can identify key issues and areas of good practice to share.

Mehrunnisa Lalani, director of inclusion, Solicitors Regulation Authority