LAA Peer Review Independent Expert Panel

The Authority is launching a tender to appoint a panel of Independent Experts who will act as a quality assurance mechanism to ensure the validity of Peer Review reports and ratings. The Authority intends to enter into three individual contracts. This initiative is not about recruiting additional Peer Reviewers. It is focused on appointing Independent Experts to support and oversee the Peer Review Scheme. The work expected under each contract is an average of 10 hours per month, however flexibility will be required from contract holders as work many fluctuate during the year, and some periods may be busier than others. The Peer Review scheme is the LAA’s primary method for assessing the quality of legal advice provided by legal aid providers. Under this scheme, experienced legal practitioners review a sample of case files to determine whether the advice given meets professional standards. The scheme plays a critical role in maintaining public confidence in the legal aid system and ensuring value for money. The Independent Experts are central to the integrity of the Peer Review process. Their responsibilities will include moderating the consistency of ratings, training and supporting Peer Reviewers, and providing guidance on disputes between Peer Reviewers. Their oversight ensures that Peer Review ratings are fair, proportionate, and consistent across the legal aid provider base. SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT The Peer Review Independent Experts will be responsible for undertaking the following duties, including but not limited to: • Training of new Peer Reviewers and delivery of annual consistency training to existing Peer Reviewers. • Dealing with Peer Review Validations to ensure quality and consistency within the Peer Review reports and ratings. • Assist with disputes between Peer Reviewers – the Independent Expert must guide and make suggestions so the Peer Reviewers can reach an appropriate conclusion. • Validate representations against Peer Review ratings. • Quality Management of Peer Reviewers and Peer Review system – The Independent Expert is responsible for moderating the consistency and training of Peer Reviewers. • Maintaining the independence of the scheme – The legal profession respects the Peer Review Process due to its independence from the LAA. Whilst the LAA contract with the Peer Reviewers, the methodology and running of the scheme is independent. • Collaborating with the LAA on Peer Review in new categories of law - There are two different sets of Peer Review Criteria: Civil and Crime. The categories of law that are Peer Reviewed currently: Crime, Family, Housing, Immigration & Asylum and Mental Health. The LAA may wish to introduce Peer Review in other categories of law in the future. • Process Development: We may also require the contractor to assist with the development and improvement of the Peer Review Scheme. It is likely that the LAA will need to commission new Peer Reviewers during the contract terms, which will require input from the contractor. ACCESS TO THE ITT The Ministry of Justice is using the E-Sourcing Portal, Jaggaer, for this procurement which means the ITT is available only in electronic form. To access this procurement opportunity please log on to Jaggaer at https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk/ and search for the ITT using reference ITT_10258 - LAA Peer Review Independent Expert Panel, to be able to view the ITT documents and submit a response. If you do not already have a Jaggaer account please register to create an account via the following link - https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk/ If you have any issues registering, please contact 0845 0100 132 or e-mail esourcing@justice.gov.uk. Any queries regarding Jaggaer should be sent to the Authority’s Central Support Team (Mon – Fri 08:30 – 17:00) by calling 0845 0100 132 or by emailing: esourcing@justice.gov.uk