The Solicitors Regulation Authority will appoint an independent reviewer to oversee the way it handles complaints in a bid to improve efficiency.

The SRA plans to introduce a single complaints-handling policy that will deal with all complaints, including those involving discrimination.

The complaints consultation proposes a three-stage process, whereby complaints will initially be dealt with internally by the SRA. But where a complainant is not satisfied or the matter is serious, it will be referred for an external independent review.

To date, the SRA has developed a number of different mechanisms, depending on the nature of the complaint.

The consultation closes on 13 November and can be accessed.