CILEx Regulation shares wider society’s horror at the violent disorder which has taken place over recent days. We understand this is a particularly challenging and concerning time for those providing legal services, often to the most vulnerable members of society.
CRL is proud to regulate a diverse membership who bring their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of people every day across the country. We are committed to EDI principles and promote diversity and tolerance, which we expect our regulated community to share too through adherence to our Code of Conduct. At this sensitive time, we all need to be acutely conscious of the dangers that social media plays in encouraging and inciting violence, and be aware of this in postings on a public or private basis.
We understand that some of our regulated community may have concerns about their safety, with media reports that those providing immigration services may be targeted.
In response to this, The Law Society has issued a statement confirming they have contacted the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and the Metropolitan Police who are coordinating intelligence nationwide.
The regulated community should not have to fear for themselves or those close to them. However, we would urge all members to remain vigilant to any potential threats. Please find below, some safety precautions to consider if you feel that you or your organisation may be at risk:
- If you have received a threat, please report this to your local police immediately and ask for further advice.
- Notify your security team or building manager and report anything suspicious to the police and, in an emergency, call 999.
- If you believe that you, or your firm or organisation, are potentially at risk, please consider working from home where possible. If this isn’t possible, take extra care when entering and leaving your place of work.
- Make sure you are not working alone and that you are aware of all points of entry and exit, including fire escapes
- Ensure windows and doors are locked
- Consider temporarily removing addresses or individual contact details from online platforms
- Only take online appointments and meetings, or rearrange face-to-face meetings to a later date
- if visiting clients in asylum accommodation or detention centres, call ahead to check the situation is safe and make sure that others are aware of where you will be.
Wellbeing support
We acknowledge how distressing this situation must be for, particularly for those who work in areas of legal practice that might be at higher risk.
Free confidential wellbeing and emotional support is available through LawCare. They can be contacted on – 0800 279 6888.
