Barclays plc Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for property lawyers. Supported by the Council of Mortgage Lenders and PI insurers. COMPLETIONmonitor is a unique risk management tool.

This software assists the way you can prove to lender panels that you are, and can remain fully compliant with their instructions, with alerts on Barclays plc’s changes. While using the tool is not a condition for acceptance on the Barclays plc panel, demonstrating you can stay up to date with Barclays plc’s Handbook requirements is an excellent support to your application to their lender panel and, just as importantly, safeguard your firm’s panel standing.

The software creates real-time alerts, automatically produces regulatory and CQS reports, and will improve your firm's efficiency. It is also simply to use, cost-effective and, for some firms, leads to reduced PII premiums.

Find a Law Firm approved by Barclays plc

Mortgage companies frequently vary their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from Barclays plc are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, frequently:

A Timeline of Policy Changes


Since 2008, Barclays plc has made 247 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 11.1 days. In total, 49% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Barclays plc have been changed since 15/12/2008.

To find out more about lender panel compliance,

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Q and A’s regarding the Barclays - Woolwich Solicitor Panel from members of the public

Am I correct in assuming that the fact that my conveyancer is not isted on the Barclays - Woolwich Conveyancing panel that there is a problem with the quality of his work?
It would not be wise to jump to that conclusion. There are all sorts of perfectly reasonable explanations. A recent report by the solicitors regulator indicated 76% of law firms surveyed had been removed from at least one lender panel. The most common reasons for removal are: (1) lack of transactions (2) the lawyer is a sole practitioner (3) as part of the HSBC panel reduction (4) regulatory contact by SRA (5) accidental removal. If you are concerned you should simply call the firm and ask them why they are no longer on the approved list for Barclays - Woolwich.
We are approaching an exchange and my mum and dad having sent the 10% deposit to my lawyer. I am now advised that as the deposit has not come from me my lawyer needs to disclose this to my lender Barclays - Woolwich. I am advised that, being on the Barclays - Woolwich conveyancing panel and acting on their behalf he must inform Barclays - Woolwich if the balance of the mortgage advance is not just from me. I informed the bank about my parent’s contribution when I applied for the mortgage so is it really necessary for him to raise this?
Your lawyer is obliged to check with Barclays - Woolwich to make sure that they are aware that the balance of the purchase price is not from your own funds. Your solicitor can only report this to Barclays - Woolwich if you agree, failing which, your lawyer must cease to continue acting.
Are there any apps to help find a local solicitor on the Barclays - Woolwich conveyancing panel? I have a car and am prepared to travel up to 10 kilometers to meet the lawyer.
You can use the find a conveyancing panel search on this page. Please choose the lender and your location and you will see a number of lawyer located nearest you. Alternatively you can type in the name of your proposed law firm and see if they are listed as being on the Barclays - Woolwich solicitor panel.
I am thinking of refinancing my house does my lawyer need to be on the Barclays - Woolwich Conveyancing panel?
There is nothing to stop you using your solicitor but Barclays - Woolwich will insist on their interests being represented by a firm on their conveyancing panel. There is greater potential for delays and confusion with an additional lawyer added to the mix, and it will undoubtedly be more expensive too.
Is the case that all CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme) solicitors on the Barclays - Woolwich conveyancing panel?
It is true that some lenders now use the accreditation scheme as the starting point for Panel membership such as HSBC and Santander. The Law Society’s CQS membership however is no guarantee to lender panel acceptance. That being said,the CML have indicated that it is likely to become a pre-requisite for firms wishing to join their approved list of conveyancing solicitors.
Do the majority of banks operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Barclays - Woolwich conveyancing panel requirements are different to Barclays - Woolwich’s conveyancing panel criteria.
I have decided to exercise my right to buy my property off the council. I have a mortgage agreed with Barclays - Woolwich. Conveyancing is new to me. Can I proceed without a solicitor easily? I think we can but we keep being told I should use one. Any advice?
It is not advisable proceed with a house purchase without a solicitor. The council's solicitor are not acting for you. You need a solicitor for a number reasons. One of which is to verify what plans the Council have for repairs and refurbishment for the next five years. Many leaseholders have been stung for contributions of thousands of pounds. In any event if you are getting a mortgage with Barclays - Woolwich you will need to appoint a solicitor on the Barclays - Woolwich conveyancing panel.