Barclays plc Conveyancing Panel Information

Although not necessarily published, lenders have varying criteria . We do not hold specific requirements relating to the questions raised as part of the application to be on the Barclays plc conveyancing panel. Typically lenders need to have full knowledge of a firm including (but not limited to):

Structure of firm and, where applicable, its group

Firm name, address and contact details including all branches (including evidence of existence through risk-based physical visits and Google Streetview checks)

Full complaints history for each conveyancing solicitor

Full complaints history for each licensed conveyancer

House price discrepancies (declared to lender vs. registered at Land Registry)

Whether any lender has ever made a claim against the firm’s PII cover

Full disciplinary history for each licensed conveyancer

Number of partners per branch of the firm

Areas of Law covered by the firm

Number of lender conveyancing panels the firm is currently on

During 2013, 74 sections of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook P2 were changed by Barclays plc. Some changes are more important than others but as a firm on the Barclays plc conveyancing panel you are of course obliged to comply with individual lender requirements, as set out in Part II of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook. Locktons have recently pointed out in an article that non-compliance with Part 2 requirements account for a number of high value claims, and it is therefore important to be aware of any particularly onerous terms that an individual lender may impose.

Remember: CML requirements are not guidelines; they are the lender client’s instructions.

For most lenders participation on the lender's panel of conveyancers is at the absolute discretion of the the lender. Many lenders reserve the right to accept or reject any application without giving any reason. You should check your original application to join the Barclays plc conveyancing panel to see if you are entitled to a reason.

The Law Society’s CQS membership is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. Nevertheless the Council of Mortgage Lenders have indicated that it is likely to become a prerequisite for firms wishing to remain on their panels. Some mortgage companies now use the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation as the starting point for Panel acceptance as is the case with Santander.

You would be advised to contact Barclays plc to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook incorporates a specific question for banks to reveal who to contact to obtain standard documents. Barclays plc in their Part 2’s state: Always remember to disclose the firm’s Barclays plc conveyancing panel reference.