Governance committees

• Review and where appropriate challenge the policies and procedures of the Society; the actions and judgment of the Society's executive, office bearers, Council and committee members in relation to the Society's affairs; the Society's reporting systems, internal controls and governance and risk management arrangements.
• Oversee the Society's relations with its auditor.

The Accredited Paralegal Committee takes decisions in response to applications for entry to the scheme, in respect of entry standards and the ‘character and suitability’ requirements. The committee also approves any new practice area in which an accredited paralegal is accredited. You can find out more details about the Accredited Paralegal Status here.

• To review and finalise the annual budget, in consultation with the Board, Audit Committee and senior leadership team, for presentation to the Council.
• To review and, where appropriate, put forward proposals for the alteration of practising certificate fees and subscription levels and bandings.
• To review the monthly management accounts and make appropriate recommendations.
• To review the Law Society's annual accounts and, subject to audit and scrutiny by the Audit Committee, approve them for submission to the Council.
• To keep under review the level and nature of the Law Society's own banking arrangements, investments, borrowings and insurance cover (excluding that relating to insurance of the profession) and take action where necessary or desirable.
• To determine financial controls and propose innovations in financial management.
• To maintain a register of key risks in relation to finance and resources.
• To set policy and supervise the procurement process of the Society, including approving the individual award of contracts above a certain threshold amount, as set by the Finance Committee.
• To provide advice on any other matters referred to it by the Board, Audit Committee, senior leadership team, or Council.
• To report on monthly accounts to the Board.
• To produce an annual report to the Board and Council.
• To make a recommendation to the Council on the budget for the coming year.
• To make a recommendation to the Council on the practising certificate, and other fees, for the coming year.

• To run the system for the selection for conveners of committees that report to the Council.
• To run the system for the selection of Board members who put themselves forward for the elected Board positions.
• To oversee the systems for the selection of committee members for those committees that report to Council.