How to Record QWE

Recording Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is a crucial part of the journey for aspiring solicitors. It provides the foundation for confirming that candidates have developed the necessary competencies during their placements. This guide explains how both employers and candidates can best approach the recording process to ensure a smooth and effective QWE confirmation.

Recording QWE: A Collaborative Effort
Employers and those managing volunteers should work closely with their candidates to establish the best way to record QWE. The recording process should be tailored to suit both the candidate and the organisation, ensuring that it captures the competencies developed during the placement.

For candidates completing QWE across multiple placements, it is essential to create a record-keeping system that can be easily accessed by different organisations. This ensures consistency and accuracy in documenting their progress, regardless of where the experience is gained.

Using the SRA Template
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) provides a template designed to help candidates and employers record QWE. While it is not mandatory to use this template, it serves as a useful tool to guide the recording process. If organisations prefer to develop their own template, they can refer to the SRA's guidance on recording QWE to ensure that their system meets the necessary standards.

Regardless of the format used, the record must accurately document the competencies developed and the ways in which they were achieved. This detailed record will be essential for the solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) responsible for confirming the QWE to the SRA.

Regular Discussions and Clarity
The QWE record should serve as the foundation for regular discussions between the candidate and the solicitor or COLP confirming the experience. These conversations are crucial to ensure that both parties are clear on which competencies have been developed and that the evidence supporting this is adequate.

Although the SRA does not require submission of the QWE record, maintaining clear and up-to-date records is good practice. This is especially important in case any issues arise when confirming a candidate’s QWE. Accurate documentation can help resolve any discrepancies or concerns.

Long-Term Record-Keeping Practices
Employers should consider it good practice to keep records of all employees, including those hired on a temporary basis. This is particularly important if a candidate approaches a former employer to confirm QWE retrospectively. Having detailed records of the candidate's role and work during their time with the organisation can facilitate the confirmation process.

Employers are encouraged to make reasonable and proportionate efforts to accommodate requests for confirming past QWE. By keeping comprehensive records, employers can help ensure that candidates are able to have their QWE confirmed, even if they have moved on to other opportunities.

Recording QWE effectively is a shared responsibility between candidates and employers. Whether using the SRA's template or a custom system, the key is to maintain accurate and detailed records of the competencies developed during placements. These records will not only support the QWE confirmation process but also help ensure that candidates are fully prepared for the next steps in their journey to becoming qualified solicitors.
Back to blog
UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

Get ready for the SQE1 with high-performance SQE Study Guides developed by UOLLB and published by UOL Press to revolutionise your study method and exam strategy.

Turbocharge SQE Performance

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding.
Speed up your revision with us now👇

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.