Compliance & Regulations
Cromwell Wilkes is committed to the highest professional standards and to always ensuring compliance with the regulatory frameworks and transparency as to the professional rules under which different legal services are offered to our clients.
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.
Everyone who gives immigration advice at Cromwell Wilkes is registered with the IAA (up to Level 3, the highest level) or works under the direct supervision of a registered adviser.
Regulatory status of our Legal Director, Richard Roberts
Our Legal Director, Richard Roberts, is a practising barrister, called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and regulated by the Bar Standards Board. He is also an IAA Level 3 adviser. He can act for clients as a barrister on both fee-paying and pro bono matters.
Client protections, insurance, and ombudsman access
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Clients do not have access to the BSB-mandated Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF). Instead, all work is covered under Cromwell Wilkes' own Professional Indemnity Insurance policy with Hiscox Limited, which explicitly covers all immigration law service capacities.
Ombudsman Access
Clients do not have a right of complaint to the Legal Ombudsman in respect of immigration law services. Instead, clients enjoy the robust statutory protections provided by our primary regulator, and any service complaints should be directed to the Immigration Advice Authority.
Complaints to the Bar Standards Board
For clients represented by Mr Roberts in his capacity as a barrister, any complaint may be directed to the Legal Ombudsman (unresolved or poor service) or the Bar Standards Board (professional misconduct).
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.
Immigration Advice Authority, Complaints Team, IAA, PO Box 567, Dartford, DA1 9XW. Email complaints@immigrationadviceauthority.gov.uk. Telephone 0345 000 0046.
How to complain to the IAA: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-an-immigration-adviser
Related reading
Get in Touch
Leave your enquiry and a senior lawyer will come back to you by the end of the next working day. If your matter is urgent, call us on 020 3764 1907 and we will tell you straight away whether we can help.