Ridley & Hall are extremely proud to announce that two of its members of the Private Client department have just been awarded Full Accredited Member status of Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE). SFE is an independent, national organisation of lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Jill Waddington and Helen Webster were both already full members of SFE, having previously passed essay-style written exams of 6,000 to 10,000 words in response to 4 questions to gain full membership.

Due to changes in the marketplace, SFE have subsequently introduced a new externally accredited award, which focuses on the particular client care needs of the client, resulting from an increased need for clients to have access to good quality independent advice from reputable, accredited professionals. The assessment consisted of meeting four additional standards, the last of which being a 90 minute exam, taken online.

The new training programme acts as a platform for SFE to continue to grow from strength to strength, allowing them to refer members of the public to Full Accredited Members like Jill and Helen, who have demonstrated that they have the additional skills required to service this key client group of the elderly and vulnerable

Jill, who is also the Head of the Private Client department, said of the accreditation “By taking this further assessment in order to become Fully Accredited Members of SFE, Helen and I have shown a further commitment to our clients by ensuring that the service we offer to them is the best it can possibly be. Solicitors for the Elderly is an extremely strong brand, built up as a community of trusted advisers who are regulated, educated and professionally qualified with specialist skills to offer the best advice to older and vulnerable clients. We are proud to be members of that community, and by having this further accreditation, clients who come to us can have trust and confidence in the service we provide.”

In addition to Jill and Helen’s achievements, Ridley & Hall are also pleased to confirm that Hilary Sisson, another member of the Private Client department, has also recently been recognised nationally by the Institute of Paralegals and has now been entered onto The Professional Paralegal Register at Tier 4 level. The Professional Paralegal Register is a voluntary registered scheme which been established to enhance consumer choice and protection. Tier 4 paralegals are the highest level on the register based on their level of knowledge, experience and expertise. Hilary now joins her fellow members on the register, identifiable as bona fide paralegals, who meet the high standards of work and service required by both the individual’s recognised membership body and the robust criteria set by the PPR.

These further accolades simply reinforce the high standards offered by Ridley & Hall’s already experienced Private Client department. It gives further assurance to our clients that we will endeavour to provide them with the best possible service and that even many years after qualification, our team are still willing to undergo further scrutiny and examination to be at the top of our game!

If require any legal advice regarding a private client matter, feel free to call the team on 01484 538 421.