The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices.
For member firms and other bodies we deal with (regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers) CQS ensures:
- the integrity of the Senior Responsible Officer and other key conveyancing staff
- the firm’s adherence to good practice management standards
- adherence to prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures through the scheme protocol
This scheme creates a trusted community which will deter fraud – year on year, we will drive up standards.
(Marie Redman, Arthur Scaife, Karena Harrison)
STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners) is a worldwide professional association for those advising families across generations. STEP members work with families, helping them with real problems. They promote best practice, professional integrity and education to our members.
All STEP members are subject to an extensive Code of Professional Conduct, requiring them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the wider community.
Members are also required to keep up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments. You can recognise a Full Member of STEP by the letters ‘TEP’ after their name.
Membership is gained by rigorous examinations and maintained by continuous professional development on an annual basis. Members demonstrate expertise in Wills, Probate, Trusts and Taxation.
STEP members help families plan for their futures: from drafting a will or advising family businesses, to helping international families and protecting vulnerable family members. STEP has over 20,000 members across 95 countries, including lawyers, accountants and other trust and estate specialists.
(Alex Jennings, Steven Lord, Nicola Davies, Danielle Harvey)
The STEP Code for Will Preparation in England & Wales is a set of ethical principles that operate for the benefit of clients and demonstrate openly the commitment of STEP members to transparency and client service. It recognises that, in providing will preparation services, STEP members should operate within an ethical environment.
The Code is a framework within which each STEP member who undertakes this area of work can determine how best to meet the needs of each individual client – while at the same time operating within appropriate standards. – See more here
All Heppenstalls staff have undergone training to become a Dementia Friend. This helps us to learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action.
Heppenstalls staff can help as we understand how dementia can effect families and we can help with advice on how to care for the future.
The decisions and plans you make now will have a huge impact on your later life. Getting them right is essential. An SFE accredited lawyer is an expert in older client law and will ensure you get the best possible legal advice for your future.
SFE lawyers understand the wider, and often sensitive, issues around health, care and family that might affect your plans for later life.
Danielle Harvey is the SFE accredited member at Heppenstalls Solicitors. Contact Danielle on 01425 610078 for further advice.
