You are here : Home » About us » Services » Course accreditation

Course accreditation

Our Policy

One of the essential elements of developing the paralegal profession is ensuring that there is a framework in place for identifying, and giving due recognition to, good courses and qualifications that are of interest to paralegals and their employers. In support of this goal we are keen to work with employers, course providers and award givers, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Steps we can take include:

• Reviewing, validating and accrediting in-house courses.
• Recognising awards granted by other awarding bodies.
• Working with other professional bodies towards cross-recognition of professional qualifications.
• Conferring additional Institute qualifications on existing courses.
• Working with universities to obtain academic recognition and credits for Institute accredited courses.
• Through partnerships with leading training providers we can also assist in the development of new courses for paralegals and the evolution of existing courses.

Courses Likely to be Accredited

A course accredited by us would be expected to:

• Motivate students in their practice of law as a paralegal.
• Present some intellectual challenge, integrating legal theory with current practice.
• Provide an awareness of the legal and regulatory environment within which the majority of students taking the course operate.
• Contribute to the personal and professional development of students.
• Provide students with knowledge, insight and understanding that will be of benefit to their careers.

 There are a variety of criteria that an accredited course will have to satisfy. Obviously a three-hour CPD course will have to meet fewer criteria than a two-year Diploma course.

The type of criteria we will look at include such things as:

• Course aims and objectives
• Criteria for enrollment in the course
• Course structure
• Syllabi
• Teachers
• Track record and standing of the organising company, individual or body
• Resources and facilities needed and available to students
• Quality assurance procedures
• Assessment process (if any)

Why Seek Employer Accreditation?

Accreditation/recognition of internal courses and qualifications:

• Assists in the recruitment and retention of Paralegal staff.
• Helps provide employers with a route for developing senior Paralegal staff of the future.
• Aids in the development of paralegal expertise important to the continued well-being of the employer.
• Demonstrates to both staff and customers that the employer thinks it essential to have high calibre staff.
• Provides Paralegal staff with access to a body of knowledge outside of the organisation.

How to Get Accredited

Please complete the attached form and return it to us. We will then contact you to discuss your requirements.

Please click here to open/download a PDF version of the Accreditation Enquiry Form.

Please click here to open/download a Word version of the Accreditation Enquiry Form.

Competency Standards for paralegals and legal secretaries

Regulation and Professional Conduct

© Copyright 2008. Institute of Paralegals   DATA PROTECTION | DISABILITY POLICY | SITE MAP