Post Implementation Review – Improving Legal Aid Provider Experience Changes

Overview

In August 2020, the Ministry delivered changes to the legal aid provider contract and application process. The aim of these changes was to improve the provider experience with legal aid and ensure the application and contract processes are efficient and effective. The Ministry is now conducting a Post Implementation Review on the changes that were delivered.

If you have gained a new approval after August 2020, we are seeking your valuable feedback on the legal aid provider application and contract process. This information will be used to assess the success of the project and identify areas for further improvement.

What changes are we seeking feedback on?

• The new legal aid provider application form and the supporting guidance for lawyers wanting to provide legal aid services. The previous application form was split into four parts over 22 forms and 90 pages. The new form was condensed into a single seven-page form.
   
• The updated contract and approval process for legal aid providers. Previously, a lawyer’s legal aid contract expired every two years, and they were required to reapply for approval every three – five years to continue providing services. The contract and approvals no longer expire and the requirement to reapply for approval has been removed.

We will be holding a separate consultation process with members of the Selection Committee in early 2023, to seek feedback on the updated Selection Committee process and guidance.

This survey should not take more than 15 minutes.