The final version of the new Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) handbook has now been posted online.

The handbook, which includes the updated Code of Conduct, is to underpin the introduction of outcomes-focused regulation (OFR) on 6 October. It was prepared by the SRA in consultation with solicitors, consumer groups and other stakeholders.

The handbook runs to 532 pages when printed, but is suitable for viewing online. Helpful online features include a guide to what's new, advanced search options and an updates section.

The SRA is also to produce a book-form printed version in late October.

A new practice note on the Law Society website, ‘Outcomes-focused regulation: overview', will provide further help.

From 6 October, all solicitors and law firms regulated by the SRA will be subject to the new regulatory approach. This will be expanded to include owners of companies who may not be lawyers when the SRA is in a position to regulate alternative business structures (ABS), probably at the turn of the year.

SRA chief executive Antony Townsend said: ‘The handbook outlines fully the framework we have put in place to put consumers at the heart of legal services. It makes sense therefore to make that handbook as easy to use as possible.

‘So it has been created in just that way, making it easy to navigate and simple to search. This should help the profession adopt the consumer-led principles of OFR, and ensure resources are deployed on areas where they are needed most.’

The handbook can be read on the SRA site.