ASSOCIATION OF QUALIFIED LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES (AQLR)
Accreditation and Membership Framework Policy 2025
Chair’s Foreword
The QLR role occupies a distinctive position within the justice system. It exists to uphold fairness in proceedings where vulnerability, power imbalance, and safeguarding concerns require particular care, while ensuring that evidence can still be tested properly and lawfully. That responsibility demands not only individual competence, but a clear and credible system of training, accreditation, oversight, and accountability.
This Accreditation and Membership Framework Policy is an example of that system. The Framework policy is internal to the Association of Qualified Legal Representatives (AQLRs) It establishes a transparent route from entry-level training through to voluntary accreditation, continuing professional development, and renewal. It defines the standards that AQLR expects from those who seek to practise as QLRs, the obligations that accompany membership, and the mechanisms by which those standards are maintained, reviewed, and—where necessary—enforced. It does not have regulatory effect and not a pre-requisite to be appointed as a QLR.
Central to the framework is the principle that accreditation is not a one-off event, but an ongoing professional commitment. The staged pathway, the Public Register of AQLR members, and the requirements for renewal and peer review are all designed to ensure that QLR practice remains competent, ethical, and responsive to the realities of court work involving vulnerability and distress.
Equally important are the governance arrangements set out in this Policy. The separation of roles between the AQLR Council, the Accreditation Committee, and the Accreditation Panel is intended to ensure independence, consistency, and fairness in decision-making. Transparency, reasoned decisions, and the availability of appeal are essential to maintaining confidence both within the profession and among the courts that rely upon the scheme.
This Policy is not intended to be static. It will be reviewed regularly to reflect developments in practice, judicial guidance, and the experience of those operating within the scheme. In that sense, it represents both a statement of current standards and a commitment to continual improvement.
I commend this Accreditation and Membership Framework Policy to practitioners, judges, training providers, and stakeholders as a clear, principled, and accountable foundation for the voluntary regulation and professional development of Qualified Legal Representatives.
Paul Chiy, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD , FCIArb, FCIlex
Barrister, Solicitor-Advocate and Arbitrator
Chairperson, Association of Qualified Legal Representatives (AQLR)
Introduction
- This Accreditation and Membership Framework Policy is not a creation of or requirement of statute but a framework through which the AQLR Council, advised by its Accreditation Committee accredit courses, confer membership of AQLR, and a public register of AQLR members.
- The policy aligns with the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (Part 3A and Practice Direction 3AA) and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, to support statutory bodies in ensuring QLRs are competent, ethical, and trauma-informed when conducting cross-examination of vulnerable and self-represented parties in family proceedings.
Purpose
- The purpose of this framework is to:
- Establish a clear route from voluntary training to accreditation and membership.
- Define the standards of competence and ethics required of AQLRs members.
- Provide transparent procedures for accreditation, renewal, suspension, and removal.
- Support public confidence in the QLR Scheme
Governance and Oversight
- The AQLR Council is the ultimate authority for accreditation and membership decisions.
- The Council is advised by an independent Accreditation Committee, which:
- Reviews and approves applications for course and individual accreditation.
- Recommends appointments to the AQLR Register of Qualified Legal Representatives.
- Conducts periodic reviews of accredited providers and practitioners.
- Advises the Council on training standards, assessment, and policy development.
The Accreditation Committee must include:
- A senior AQLR Fellow (Chair).
- At least one judicial or academic member with expertise in family advocacy.
- At least one lay member with safeguarding or trauma-informed practice expertise.
- Decisions of the Committee are recorded, reasoned, and subject to appeal to the AQLR Council.
The Accreditation Pathway
- The AQLR Accreditation Pathway consists of four stages:
Stage 1 – Foundation Training
- Completion of Modules A1–A5 of the AQLR Family Law Training and Accreditation Programme covering the QLR role, court system, advocacy, vulnerability, and managing distressed parties.
- Outcome: Eligibility for Associate Membership.
Stage 2 – Specialist Accreditation
- Completion of one specialist track (e.g. Family Law Act 1996 – Protective Orders & Domestic Violence) focusing on domestic abuse, safeguarding, and trauma-informed advocacy.
- Outcome: Eligibility for QLR Accreditation Assessment.
Stage 3 – Accreditation Assessment
- Submission of a case portfolio, reflective log, and oral examination before an Accreditation Panel.
- Outcome: AQLR Accreditation granted and registration as a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR Grantee).
Stage 4 – CPD and Renewal
- Accredited QLRs must complete a minimum of 6 hours of annual CPD and undergo peer review every three years to renew accreditation.
Membership Levels
- Affiliate Member – Entry-level affiliation for those intending to enter the QLR pathway. Access to AQLR resources; non-voting.
- Associate Member – Completion of Stage 1 (Foundation). Eligible to proceed to Specialist Tracks; non-voting. Post-nominal: AQLR (Assoc).
- Qualified Member / QLR Grantee – Completion of Stages 1–3. Full voting rights; inclusion on AQLR Register. Post-nominal: M.AQLR.
- Fellow – Minimum 7 years’ accredited QLR practice and contribution to advocacy training or policy. Eligible for Council and Committee service; mentoring roles. Post-nominal: F.AQLR.
- Honorary Member / Patron – By Council invitation for distinguished contribution. Ceremonial/advisory role. Post-nominal: Hon. AQLR Patron.
The AQLR Register of Qualified Legal Representatives
- AQLR maintains a Public Register of its members, recording name, accreditation date, expiry, and disciplinary status. Only those listed may describe themselves as AQLR-Accredited Qualified Legal Representatives.
- Accreditation lapses automatically if CPD or renewal requirements are not met.
Quality Assurance and Course Accreditation
- AQLR accredits training providers to deliver the Foundation and Specialist modules.
- Providers must demonstrate:
- Qualified faculty with advocacy or judicial experience.
- Curriculum alignment with AQLR Training Standards.
- Robust assessment and moderation systems.
- Safeguarding and trauma-informed teaching practices.
- Accredited providers are subject to periodic audit and re-accreditation every three years.
Appeals and Sanctions
- Applicants or members may appeal any refusal, suspension, or withdrawal of accreditation within 28 days.
- Sanctions include written warning, suspension, removal from Register, or referral to regulatory authority.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Accredited QLRs must complete at least 6 hours of CPD annually, including 3 hours directly related to advocacy or vulnerable witness practice.
- Fellows and trainers are encouraged to contribute to CPD delivery and mentoring.
Branding and Use of AQLR Accreditation
- Members and providers may use the AQLR logo only in accordance with the AQLR Branding and Use Policy. Misrepresentation of accreditation status may result in disciplinary action.
Data and Compliance
- All accreditation and membership data are processed under UK GDPR and AQLR’s Data Protection Policy. Annual audits ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance.
Commencement and Review
- This policy comes into effect on 1 January 2026 and applies to all AQLR members. It will be reviewed annually by the Accreditation Committee and approved by the AQLR Council.
