Character and suitability - very very worried

[Worriedtrainee1302]

I am a trainee due to qualify in March 2023. Having recently looked at the SRA’s character and suitability form, I’ve realised that I will need to make some disclosures as it asks whether I’ve ever missed more than 6 consecutive payments. I’ve done this 3 times - all accounts are paid off or are being paid off with no payments missed since early 2019.
I have two concerns. Firstly, apparently the SRA can take 6 months to process admission applications with suitability issues which means I’ll qualify at least 4-5 months after the rest of my cohort.
Secondly, I cannot provide character references. Nobody knows about these issues and the thought of telling someone at work makes me feel sick - I’m from a low income background and already feel like I don’t fit in. I couldn’t bear to disclose previous financial issues and keep working there. I contacted the SRA who said I might not need references and it depends on the case handler once they read my application.

Has anyone been through the process of admission with disclosures and how long did it take? Am I likely to be admitted?

I am just terrified that all my hard work is going to go to waste and I don’t know what to do. Any help would be gratefully received.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am a trainee due to qualify in March 2023. Having recently looked at the SRA’s character and suitability form, I’ve realised that I will need to make some disclosures as it asks whether I’ve ever missed more than 6 consecutive payments. I’ve done this 3 times - all accounts are paid off or are being paid off with no payments missed since early 2019.
I have two concerns. Firstly, apparently the SRA can take 6 months to process admission applications with suitability issues which means I’ll qualify at least 4-5 months after the rest of my cohort.
Secondly, I cannot provide character references. Nobody knows about these issues and the thought of telling someone at work makes me feel sick - I’m from a low income background and already feel like I don’t fit in. I couldn’t bear to disclose previous financial issues and keep working there. I contacted the SRA who said I might not need references and it depends on the case handler once they read my application.

Has anyone been through the process of admission with disclosures and how long did it take? Am I likely to be admitted?

I am just terrified that all my hard work is going to go to waste and I don’t know what to do. Any help would be gratefully received.

Have you ever been in any debt collection process on any of these accounts?

What I would stress is that there are cases of people still being admitted with significant evidence that would suggest by the SRA's terms that they should not be admitted.

Personally, I would recommend speaking to your firm about this. I know that may feel uncomfortable but you may be surprised at either 1) how they can support you (e.g. they could provide references to support your case) and 2) they may know of other people who have gone through a similar process.

Alternatively, seek some legal advice on this. Some lawyers specialise in advising on the SRA admissions process. People in this forum might be able to explain their personal experiences, but I think this is something where you probably need some professional advice, especially if you do not want to seek support from your employer.

 

[Worriedtrainee1302]

Thank you for your reply. On your first question, yes, all went to debt collection. But my credit scores are now good and I have not missed payments in years on those accounts or anything else.

It sounds from your response that you think this may be quite a serious issue? I don’t have any ccjs and have not entered into an IVA nor been bankrupt so I was hoping this wouldn’t be a major issue.

I spoke to my HR contact today who advised me not to worry about the length of time it takes and said that they can work around not qualifying on time with a different job title and things in the meantime but they didn’t give the impression that it would be a major issue either. I didn’t mention the references point however - when I spoke to the SRA, they said they may not need references if I write a statement and provide my credit report. In your experience, are references usually required? Thanks again for your help.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you for your reply. On your first question, yes, all went to debt collection. But my credit scores are now good and I have not missed payments in years on those accounts or anything else.

It sounds from your response that you think this may be quite a serious issue? I don’t have any ccjs and have not entered into an IVA nor been bankrupt so I was hoping this wouldn’t be a major issue.

I spoke to my HR contact today who advised me not to worry about the length of time it takes and said that they can work around not qualifying on time with a different job title and things in the meantime but they didn’t give the impression that it would be a major issue either. I didn’t mention the references point however - when I spoke to the SRA, they said they may not need references if I write a statement and provide my credit report. In your experience, are references usually required? Thanks again for your help.

I personally haven't been in this exact situation or helped someone in this situation so I can't advise on this.

What I would stress is that the SRA allows people to qualify if they can present their case well.

I think this is serious enough that you need to ensure you are getting all the necessary support and documentation together for your suitability test with the SRA. You may also want to start this process now. You may not need a statement from your firm (as the SRA have said), but them providing a reference to support your case is not going to be a bad thing (if that is something they are willing to do).

 

[AA699]

I am a trainee due to qualify in March 2023. Having recently looked at the SRA’s character and suitability form, I’ve realised that I will need to make some disclosures as it asks whether I’ve ever missed more than 6 consecutive payments. I’ve done this 3 times - all accounts are paid off or are being paid off with no payments missed since early 2019.
I have two concerns. Firstly, apparently the SRA can take 6 months to process admission applications with suitability issues which means I’ll qualify at least 4-5 months after the rest of my cohort.
Secondly, I cannot provide character references. Nobody knows about these issues and the thought of telling someone at work makes me feel sick - I’m from a low income background and already feel like I don’t fit in. I couldn’t bear to disclose previous financial issues and keep working there. I contacted the SRA who said I might not need references and it depends on the case handler once they read my application.

Has anyone been through the process of admission with disclosures and how long did it take? Am I likely to be admitted?

I am just terrified that all my hard work is going to go to waste and I don’t know what to do. Any help would be gratefully received.

Hi

Were you able to pass the SRA character and suitability assessment? I am sort of in a similar situation and extremely worried.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi

Were you able to pass the SRA character and suitability assessment? I am sort of in a similar situation and extremely worried.

You didn’t go to debt collection though, going by your other post, so this is not a similar situation.