LAA to conduct market engagement to procure a new three-person panel of Independent Experts to oversee its Peer Review Scheme

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is preparing to launch a tender for three Independent Experts to help oversee its Peer Review Scheme.

This panel will be responsible for training, validating, and quality managing Peer Reviewers across criminal and civil legal aid.

Prior to launching the tender, we will be conducting market engagement on our requirements for this service.

We expect to launch the tender in November 2025 and the contracts are expected to run for five years starting in early 2026.

Why is it happening now?

The LAA needs to put in place a new contract to make sure the Peer Review scheme continues to be overseen by independent experts over the next few years. The market engagement will help gather feedback to shape the future service.

Where can I find out more?

You can register your interest in one of the market engagement events at the following link - LAA Peer Review Independent Expert Panel - Find a Tender

The market engagement events will take place via Microsoft Teams on the following dates and times:

Wednesday 3 September 2025 - 11.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 4 September 2025 - 5pm - 6pm

Further information, including a draft specification and event link, will be shared upon registration.

For further information regarding Peer Review and the associated process please visit Legal Aid Agency audits - GOV.UK