The Solicitors Regulation Authority has invited contractors to undertake its ‘fundamental’ review of the legal education and training system for lawyers in England and Wales.

The SRA said that the review is designed ‘to ensure that the ethical standards and levels of competence of those delivering legal services in regulated law firms are sufficient to secure a high standard of service for clients, and to support the public interest and the rule of law’.

The SRA is commissioning the review jointly with the Bar Standards Board and the Institute of Legal Executives Professional Standards. The findings will feed into the regulators’ existing education projects.

The SRA has invited contractors to tender to undertake the review, which is due to start in early April and be completed by November 2012.

SRA chief executive Antony Townsend said: ‘This is a major collaborative project involving a fundamental review of the legal education and training requirements by all three regulators, to ensure that we have a system which is fit for purpose as well one which is flexible and responsive to a changing market.

‘The scope of the review will be wide-ranging and will examine both regulated and non-regulated legal services. It will look at the likely shape of, and demands on, legal services by 2020 and the impact this will have on the profile of the legal services workforce.

‘Ultimately, we are looking to fulfil the objectives set out in the Legal Services Act to have a legal education and training system which protects and promotes the interests of consumers and will create an independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession.’

The successful contractor will research legal education and training in England and Wales and internationally, as well as systems in other sectors and professions. They will examine the educational requirements placed upon individuals entering the sector; the requirements for continuing education for individuals and entities; and the requirements placed upon those educating individuals and entities.

Further information is available on the SRA website.