Director notes that its updates tap into the benefits of digital solutions
The Conveyancing Association (CA) has announced changes to its member pledges in light of the publication of its Digital Conveyancing Protocol Document and the introduction of Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty rules.
As the leading trade body for the conveyancing industry, its membership is made up of the top 200 solicitors and licensed conveyancers, who collectively conduct approximately 25% of all property transactions and 70% of all remortgage transactions in England and Wales. It works collectively and proactively to improve the conveyancing process and to formulate and implement best practice throughout the industry.
“Our CA pledges are all about how member firms can engender a culture of fairness around the work they themselves carry out, and how they can prove this not just to clients but all stakeholders within the process,” said Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at The Conveyancing Association. “This most recent iteration of our Pledges includes the addition of two new ones, focused on how firms can take proactive steps towards meeting net zero targets, and how they deliver and store digital property data so it is able to be accessed by all those who interact with the property both now and in the future.”
Adapting to the new environment
CA member firms are committed to upholding the pledges, which are focused on ensuring all clients are treated fairly as well as ensuring that a culture of fairness extends to all dealings with third parties. Pledges cover areas such as quality of service, client satisfaction, efficient processes, combating fraud, and providing mutual support, as well as working towards a trusted community of conveyancers.
Following the launching of CA’s Future Digital Conveyancing Protocol in light of the recent digital processes, two new specific CA Pledges have been added:
- Net Zero: Members are encouraged to take proactive steps to contribute to reducing impacts on the climate and contribute to the Government’s Net Zero targets.
- Digital data storage: Members are encouraged to utilize digital products for documenting, tracking, and other activities involved in overseeing properties.
The updates are designed to help firms benefit from the range of digital services available to support the processes behind home buying and selling. These adhere to the firm’s technical protocol, a document outlining the best practices for conveyancing firms.
“The new and updated pledges follow the publication of our digital conveyancing protocol document and our updated technical protocol, in terms of the CA providing member firms with a range of information and recommendations on how they can secure the best experience for all those they deal with, and how they specifically tap into the benefits that can be secured by using digital solutions,” said Rudolf.
“This is all about delivering an improved home buying and selling process, and how we make that process less stressful and much more timely, which will provide huge benefits for all.”
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