Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)

What is the Conveyancing Quality Scheme?

The Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) is the Law Society’s quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. Obtaining accreditation improves credibility with stakeholders such as lenders and insurers as well as potential clients.

Many lenders require firms to hold CQS accreditation to be members of their panels, enabling the firm to act for both the client and the lender in conveyancing transactions involving a mortgage.

CQS requires compliance with two key pillars:

• Core Practice Management Standards
• Protocol

The CQS Core Practice Management Standards define quality management procedures in seven key areas:

• Structure and Strategy
• Financial Management
• Information Management
• People Management
• Risk Management
• Client Care
• File & Case Management

The CQS Protocol outlines practices to be followed across six key stages of residential conveyancing work:

• Instructions
• Pre-exchange – submitting a contract
• Prior to exchange of contracts
• Exchange of contracts
• Completion
• Post-completion

In 2019, the Law Society conducted a series of pilot audits to assess the compliance of practices holding CQS accreditation with its requirements. These audits comprised both desk-based and on-site visits. Although auditing activity has since paused, the Law Society has expressed its intention for all CQS-accredited practices to be subject to compliance audits.