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What is CQS and Why Does it Matter?

What is CQS and Why Does it Matter?

The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. Membership establishes a level of credibility for firms with its stakeholders such as regulators, lenders and insurers as well as residential home buyers and sellers. Since inception in 2011, the CQS has created a trusted community which has helped year on year to deter fraud and continually improve standards across the residential conveyancing sector.

The CQS Mark proves that a solicitors practice has the necessary skills, policies, processes and expertise to provide residential conveyancing advice, and reassures clients that they will be provided with all the information they need to understand the process, options, costs and timescales of a conveyancing transaction from the outset.

The scheme requires practices to undergo a strict assessment, compulsory training, self reporting, random audits and annual reviews to maintain CQS status. It is open only to members of the Law Society and to those who meet the demanding standards of the scheme and has the support of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Building Societies Association, Legal Ombudsman and the Association of British Insurers.

The CQS issue a Charter that all accredited firms must operate by. This Charter gives clients peace of mind knowing that their transaction is being conducted to the highest standard. The Charter says:

“When you contact us to discuss your sale or purchase we will explain clearly the steps in the process and what you can expect from your solicitor. We will:

•   tell you what the costs will be;
•   keep you informed of progress in your sale or purchase; and,
•   work in line with the quality standards of the Law Society’s CQS.

We will also:

•   treat you fairly;
•   be polite and professional;
•   respond promptly to your inquiries;
•   tell you about any problems as soon as we are aware of them; and,
•   ask for your feedback on our service.

Martin Shepherd have been members of CQS since 2012 and are very proud to be able to offer you the peace of mind of knowing that you are using a team of conveyancers with the skills, knowledge and expertise to manage your sale or purchase from start to finish.

To find out more about our conveyancing services, please go to our Property & Conveyancing page or why not complete our Enquiry Form and one of our team will get in touch.

If you would like to find out more about the Law Society and CQS, please feel free to click on the logos below.

Get in touch

To find out more, please choose the area relevant to you from those listed or why not contact one of our team directly?

Alternatively, you can complete our enquiry form or send an email to reception@martinshepherd.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you