myCILEx
Welcome to myCILEx
CILEx’s exclusive members area
myCILEx provides you with information on the work CILEx is doing on behalf of its members.
For the latest branch events in your area, visit: www.cilexbranches.org.uk
Policy round-up
Simon Garrod, CILEx director of policy and governance, writes:
CILEx has been engaging with members on a variety of policy topics, in the past few months, to inform how we respond to consultations and further inform CILEx’s strategy and activities.
De-linking divorce and financial remedy
Members of the CILEx Family Practitioner Specialist Reference Group helped to shape CILEx’s response to the proposal to separate applications for divorce/dissolution from applications for financial remedies for separating couples. They also wanted to see the threshold for deciding which cases are fast tracked reviewed, so that it took average property values into consideration. The full response is available at: http://tinyurl.com/y8bxu5m3
Leasehold reform
The consultation Tackling unfair practices in the leasehold market included proposals to limit the sale of new build leasehold houses, reduce Help to Buy Equity Loan support for leasehold houses, and limit the reservation and increase of ground rents. Our specialist reference group, made up of members working in conveyancing, fashioned CILEx’s response – and members generally felt that leasehold still had a place for properties such as apartment buildings, but were less convinced of its use for new build houses. The consultation came on the heels of proposals from the Legal Sector Group, which included CILEx, that called for reforms to the leasehold process (see (2017) August CILExJ p5).
CILEx CEO Linda Ford writes:
As I have mentioned in previous articles, CILEx currently has a number of projects underway to review and improve the services and support we offer you as members, and to modernise as an organisation. As part of that work, we are looking at how we communicate with you and how we can provide information in a more timely, efficient and meaningful way.
Over the past year, when visiting branches and talking to members, many have commented that they are surprised we still produce a monthly Journal in hard copy and that they would prefer an online version, with more content relevant to practice areas or special interests. It is certainly a question that has crossed our minds at head office when considering the benefits of the new IT systems we are implementing, when gasping at the increasing cost of postage, and in thinking about how we can be more creative in sharing information that is easy to access and relevant to you as individual members.
I recognise that for many the Journal is seen as a key member benefit, allowing you to keep up to date with the latest news and features, so I want to reassure you that we are not looking to take away a valuable service - quite the opposite - we want to improve your experience as a CILEx member.
Long gone are the days when publishing online meant uploading a PDF version once a month. Technology now allows dynamic interactive content, which can be updated more regularly to reflect breaking news or latest policy announcements, with articles and feature pieces tailored to the type of member you are, and your preferences and interests. We have an opportunity to take the Journal into a new era, exploiting the benefits technology can offer, but before we make any decisions we want to hear from you, so please complete our short survey.
- Visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cilexjournal and make sure that your view is counted.
The Law Commission’s consultation on how best to update the laws surrounding wills is being reviewed by members of the CILEx Private Client Specialist Reference Group. The wide-ranging consultation will give rise to recommendations to be made to the government on how best to reform the law relating to wills, some of which dates back to 1870. If you have views that you think CILEx should hear, please e-mail : privateclient@cilex.org.uk
HM Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) is continuing to develop technology-based products and services which the department hopes will modernise the way that our courts operate. These include the following:
- Civil: A digital end-to-end service for civil money claims.
- Family: Online applications for divorce/dissolution/judicial separation.
- Family: A streamlined online application for probate.
- Tribunal: A new end-to-end process for social security and child support cases, which will be supported by a digital product.
- Tribunal: An online fee system for tax fees, including digital payment for the First-tier and the Upper Tribunal Tax Chambers, and lodgement service for First-tier.
- Crime: A Common Platform Programme to manage and progress criminal cases, to enable practitioners to access relevant criminal case management information, and a digital system to allow defendants, victims, witnesses and professional users to interact online.
- Crime: A ‘Single Justice Service’ for summary-only, non-imprisonable offences with no identifiable victim, which involves extending the roll-out of the Single Justice Procedure to enable magistrates to hear cases on the papers without defendants being present, and implementing a new Automated Track Case Management system developed by the Common Platform Programme.
- Virtual hearings: Video conferencing capabilities, and associated telephony and technology, to move away from traditional courtroom environments.
- Customer service: Creating a number of centralised contact and processing centres to handle the majority of inbound communication from users.
- IT infrastructure: Extending Wi-Fi provision on court centres.
Additionally, pilots are expected to commence, in the coming weeks, which will test flexible operating hours that extend the current operating hours of courts (see (2017) August and September CILExJ pp22–23, and p5 respectively). Members involved in these pilots are encouraged to get in touch with CILEx, please e-mail : courtusers@cilex.org.uk
CILEx is changing, and we need you to be a part of it. We are working harder to improve the services we deliver to our members and the public. We would like to invite you to provide us with feedback on a variety of topics, including: the qualifications we offer; how they prepare you for the roles you have in the legal services industry; how our membership structure supports that; and how you think we can improve in the future.
In the coming weeks, members should expect to receive an invitation to take part in a survey provided by a specialist external research group. All CILEx members are able to participate. We hope to have as many of you take part in the survey as possible, in order to ensure CILEx can continue to provide services that meet as many of your needs as possible.
Tried and tested: taking part in a JAC dry run
Lori Frecker, head of equality and diversity at the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), tells us about taking part in a JAC dry run.
The JAC tests all its selection exercise materials in order to make sure that they work effectively and iron out any niggles ahead of the live exercise. They are an important part of quality assuring the selection process. Essentially, it’s like test driving a new car to make sure you’re happy with it before you buy it and take it home.
Taking part in a dry run can include being a mock candidate for online tests, telephone assessments, or face-to-face interviews. It might also mean taking part in a rehearsal of a role play or scenario.
We recruit volunteers to help us test all of the materials ahead of each selection exercise.
Many candidates find that aspects of the selection process can be daunting. Participating in a dry run, as a mock candidate, is an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the selection process to find out what’s involved before you apply.
Anyone can take part. You should ideally be able to meet the statutory eligibility for the post (a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience), but this is not essential.
You can take part in a dry run even if you have applied in the past, or if you are already a judge and are considering applying for another role.
However, if you participate in a dry run for an exercise, then you will not be able to apply for the role when that selection exercise opens for applications.
You will also be required to sign a confidentiality statement confirming that you will not disclose information relating to any part of the selection exercise process to a third party.
What’s involved will depend on the materials that are being tested for the selection exercise. Taking part in a dry run can involve pre-reading, completing an online test, or attending a role play or mock interview.
Before the dry run, the JAC will send you instructions so that you know what to expect. Generally, if you are taking part in the dry run of an online test, you will simply complete it online during the relevant time period. For telephone assessments, the panel will call you at an allocated time to complete it over the phone.
If you are participating in a rehearsal of an interview or role play, you will attend in person. You will be given some preparation time, which may include time to read materials, before the interview or role play itself. There will be observers in the room, such as panel members and JAC staff, who will take notes and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
If we are dry running a qualifying test or telephone assessment, you can do this at a location that is convenient for you, such as your home or office. Dry runs of interview materials and role plays are usually held at the JAC’s office in London.
From 6 to 11 November 2017, CILEx will be promoting events throughout the week, so why don’t you get involved now!
For further details, visit: www.nationalprobonocentre.org.uk/national-pro-bono-week
If you take part in a dry run that involves a telephone assessment, interview or role play, you will receive personalised feedback from the panel. At the end of the dry run, the JAC will also ask for your feedback on your experience.
No. Future applications for any role will be considered completely on their own merit. No material used to make selection decisions indicates whether you have taken part previously as a volunteer in a dry run.
We are enormously grateful to those who volunteer to take part in dry runs, and hope that many CILEx members will consider doing so in future.
If you would like to participate in a future dry run, e-mail : beajudge@cilex.org.uk to register your interest with Louise Turner, CILEx’s membership manager.
If you would like to find out more about applying for judicial appointment, and about the CILEx Judicial Development Programme, visit: http://tinyurl.com/y7heooj6, and e-mail : beajudge@cilex.org.uk to register your interest with Louise Turner, CILEx’s membership manager.
Family Law Awards: shortlist for CLE or paralegal award
The shortlist for the Family Law Awards 2017 has just been published. Three categories, including the Family Law Chartered Legal Executive or Paralegal of the Year award, are open to the family law community to vote for. Voting will close at midday on 20 October 2017. The awards ceremony will be held on 29 November at the Ballroom South Bank, in London.
The nominees in the Family Law Chartered Legal Executive or Paralegal of the Year category are as follows:
- Shelley De'Worringham, Family Executive, Mander Hadley Ltd
- Kerri Gregory, Family Law Paralegal, Field Overell LLP
- Victoria Poole, Chartered Legal Executive, Susan Howarth & Company
- Hollie Styles, Associate of CILEx, Thursfields
- Profiles of the shortlisted nominees in this category are available at: www.familylawawards.com/2017-Community-Awards-Nominees #chartered1
June session exam results
CILEx students celebrated their law exam results success in August. Seventy-two per cent of students passed their Level 3 units, which are set and assessed at A-level standard, with either a pass, merit or distinction; and 59% of students passed their Level 6 units, which are set and assessed at honours degree level. The overall pass rate for Level 6 units increased by 3% compared with the January 2017 exam session. CILEx Journal would like to congratulate everyone who passed.
However, CILEx is here to support and advise students who did not obtain the exam results they expected (see ‘Do you need help with passing your CILEx exams?’ below).
CILEx to host ‘Tea & Talks’ for World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October every year. During October, CILEx regional branches will be raising awareness of mental health by hosting ‘Tea & Talks'.
If you would like to go along to your local branch for a chat and a cuppa (maybe even some cake!), then attend their ‘Tea & Talk’ event and have a natter with some like-minded professionals who understand the stresses and strains of life in the legal world.
Whether you are still studying with CILEx or are a fully- fledged Chartered Legal Executive, your local branch would like to support you!
Visit your local branch’s events page for further details.
Do you need help with passing your CILEx exams?
We don’t want your hard work to go unrewarded, and would like to remind you that we are here to offer the support that you need to move forward with your CILEx journey.
Please see below for a reminder of some of the support resources available to help you with your studies:
- Contact an accredited Centre for revision tips and support at: http://tinyurl.com/y8zuctfv
- For regional support, contact Ellen Birch, the CILEx Branch Officer, e-mail : ellen.birch@cilex.org.uk with ‘Exam support’ in the subject line
- Get some top tips for study and exam success at: http://tinyurl.com/y8m6n785
- Look at the available reasonable adjustments/access arrangements: http://tinyurl.com/yaebzaoo
- See past papers at: http://tinyurl.com/h3ayc79
- See Chief Examiners’ reports at: http://tinyurl.com/y8edzy5k
- See suggested answers: Level 3 at: http://tinyurl.com/yc9wjttd
- See unit specifications: Level 3 at: http://tinyurl.com/ybzxzlkn
- See suggested answers: Level 4 at: http://tinyurl.com/yahkrrtd
- See unit specifications: Level 4 at: http://tinyurl.com/y9lcx4q7
- See suggested answers: Level 6 at: http://tinyurl.com/y9yxasm9
- See unit specification: Level 6 at: http://tinyurl.com/ycx3fk8l
- See recommended reading for Level 6 students, available at: http://tinyurl.com/ydbptja4
If you require further information on the above resources or any other support resource, please get in touch with our Contact Centre, telephone: 01234 845777 or e-mail : membership@cilex.org.uk
In addition, you can access LawCare, which is a free, independent and confidential helpline which provides a space for you to talk about anything that may be worrying you.
Call 0800 2796888, available from Monday to Friday, 9 am–7.30 pm, and at weekends and on bank holidays, 10 am–4 pm
CILEx members should have recently received an invitation to take part in a survey carried out by Ipsos MORI, an independent specialist market research agency, which CILEx has commissioned to conduct research on its behalf. The research will ask members for feedback on a variety of topics, including:
- the membership and qualifications we offer;
- how they prepare you for the roles you have in the legal services industry; and
- how you think we can improve in the future.
All CILEx members are able to participate in the survey, which will take around 10 minutes to complete, and you do not need to do anything to indicate your intent on completing the upcoming survey. However, if you do not wish to take part, an e-mail address is provided, which you can also use to ask any questions you may have.
CILEx members’ contact details will remain protected under a strict data-sharing agreement, and will be destroyed by Ipsos following the completion of the survey. Responses to the survey will also be completely confidential.
- We look forward to hearing your opinions of our membership and qualifications services, and how CILEx can improve in the future.