Compliance & Regulations

Our regulatory framework

Cromwell Wilkes is a specialist in immigration and human rights law. Our immigration services are strictly regulated and governed by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), headed by the Immigration Services Commissioner under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

All immigration advice, casework, and representation provided by the firm to members of the public is delivered in full compliance with the IAA regulatory framework, which governs our operations in every respect.

All legal advisors at Cromwell Wilkes are either accredited by the IAA (including to the highest level), or are accredited IAA trainees working under strict supervision.

Regulatory status of our Legal Director, Richard Roberts

Our Legal Director, Richard Roberts, is an Employed Barrister called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. In his role as an Employed Barrister, Mr Roberts acts as an internal legal adviser to the company overall and all those who work within it.

However, clients should note that his client-facing commercial immigration law work is delivered strictly in his capacity as a Level 3 IAA Accredited Advisor, and not in his capacity as a practising barrister.

In accordance with Bar Standards Board (BSB) Rule rS39, Mr Roberts does not therefore provide paid or commercial legal services directly to the public in his capacity as a barrister. For such work he acts solely under his personal IAA Level 3 accreditation.

The only exception to this framework is when Mr Roberts provides immigration services entirely free of charge on a pro bono basis; in such specific instances, he is permitted under BSB Rule rS39.8 to act in his capacity as a practising barrister, provided the work is authorised by the firm and completely free to the client. (Our clients should note that most appeals before the Immigration Appeals Tribunals will be delivered pro bono.)

Client protections, insurance, and ombudsman access

Because Mr Roberts' commercial client work is delivered strictly under his IAA accreditation and not in his role as a practising barrister, these services sit outside the regulatory remit of the Bar Standards Board.

Raising a complaint

While Cromwell Wilkes will always take very seriously any complaint raised directly with the firm, clients are not under any obligation to first address their complaint to us before referring it to the appropriate regulator. A complaint can be made at any stage of the case or after the case has been concluded.