This update is to inform you of system enhancements made to Legal Aid Online (LAOL) and further improvements planned for the autumn.
Latest update
The latest system enhancements were implemented on Monday 17 June.
The changes included:
- adding a message icon on the Notifications page
- taking Civil Decision notifications straight to the reasons for decision
- simplifying the Correspondence Address screen
- removing the old accounts system. Old accounts are now being moved to the newer system with a view to eliminating the old paper accounts process and supporting you to complete your work and submit the account.
Looking Ahead
We are working on the next set of enhancements for an autumn 2024 release.
This includes:
- the introduction of mandatory start and stop times for time-based work items for all aid types. This is already a feature of Criminal Accounts and the introduction of start and stop times for Civil and Children’s Accounts will introduce a consistency of approach across aid types. In recognition that some solicitors may require to amend their current time recording systems to accommodate this change we will be providing you with advance notice as to when mandatory start & stop times will be introduced in a separate communication. You will continue to have the option to enter the total time engaged for any time based work items that have been completed prior to the mandatory implementation date.
- a reminder process for interim accounts. If your case has not had any activity over a period of time and an interim account has been paid, we will send a notification to you asking if the case is still active or not. If the case is no longer active, the final account should be submitted.
- upgraded Transfer and Cease to Act forms. The upgrade to our system continues, we are working towards updating all our forms, and are currently developing the Transfer and Cease to Act forms. We aim to bring these to the webinar sessions for your views soon.
As a result of your feedback and observations at our regular webinars, we will be working on:
- simplification of the Home Page to make access to notifications faster and resolving some of the navigation issues raised about getting from the accounts system back to the Home Page
- updating the Applications Granted report to show those where no account has been claimed
- adding a “What’s ready for payment” report so you can view accounts that have completed payment but have not yet reached your bank.
How to get in touch
System observation, questions or suggestion for improvement
You can contact us at: laolfeedback@slab.org.uk
You can also drop into one of our webinar sessions, these are held every Tuesday at around 16:30. If you have a question and we can’t help you at the time, we will take your contact details and get back to you with an answer.
Please see LAOL for more details on the webinar sessions and joining instructions.
Business process changes
If you would like to request any additional information on the business process changes you can email us at: support.accounts@slab.org.uk
