RBS- First Active Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for residential conveyancing lawyers. Supported by the CML and professional indemnity insures. COMPLETIONmonitor is a unique risk mitigation tool.

This software optimises the way you can prove to lender panels that you are, and can remain fully compliant with their instructions, with notifications given on RBS- First Active’s changes. While utilising the software is not a condition for acceptance on the RBS- First Active panel, demonstrating you can stay up to date with RBS- First Active’s Handbook requirements is an excellent support to your application to their lender panel and, more importantly, protect your panel status.

The software creates real-time alerts, automatically produces COLP and CQS reports, and will improve your firm's efficiency. It is also user friendly, cost-effective and, for many firms, leads to a PII saving.

Find a Law Firm approved by RBS- First Active

Banks and building societies often change their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from RBS- First Active are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, over time:

A Timeline of Policy Changes


Since 2008, RBS- First Active has made 182 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 15.0 days. In total, 49% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for RBS- First Active have been changed since 15/12/2008.

To find out more about lender panel compliance,

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Recent Changes Include

# Date Assoc. Changes Related To
5.4.6 19/11/2019 CML
Conveyancing Searches: Search Insurance
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers clarification as to whether they accept search insurance and, if yes, the The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active requirements
Local Search Indemnity Insurance
6.7.1 10/10/2019 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
14.2.1 28/12/2017 CML
Post Completion Conveyancing
Where should conveyancing panelfor The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active send the title deeds and documents following completion?
16.1.1 28/12/2017 CML
Title Documents
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active details for requesting Title Documentation
17.1.1 28/12/2017 CML
Redemption Statements
Contact details at The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active for approved lawyers to request redemption statements .
5.7.1a 02/12/2016 CML
Flying Freeholds
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved lawyers clarification as to whether they lend on flying freeholds
5.7.1b 02/12/2016 CML
Freehold Flats
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved lawyers clarification as to whether they lend on freehold flats
5.19.1 19/07/2016 CML
Shared Ownership and Shared Equity
Contact details at The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active for approved lawyers for lending on affordable housing, shared equity and shared ownership and where relevant The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active requirements.
6.7.1 25/09/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
6.7.1 25/08/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes

Last update 03/04/2020

RBS- First Active Solicitor Panel Example Support Desk Enquires from members of the public

I have been advised by my broker that I have to pay RBS- First Active fees if I use my own solicitor. How efficient are the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel solicitors? I dont care which law firm I use as long as they're good and reasonably priced. Would you recommend a specific law firm on the RBS- First Active panel?
RBS- First Active’s conveyancing panel is substantial so your best bet is just to check with the firms you are getting quotes from that they are on the panel. You can search by postcode on the search tool on this site to find solicitors that RBS- First Active will allow to act for them.
Can you clarify something for me?. My lawyer is not to blame but, my purchase conveyancing has been going on for months. The Local Authority Search from RBS- First Active was dated random date and we have agreed a date for me to move into the property on Tues etc. My solicitor informs me that as she is on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel she needs to redo the searches as they are now out of date.
One of the many conditions to being on the RBS- First Active approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on RBS- First Active)which states that a local authority search be not more than half a year old. You should nevertheless ask your lawyer to check whether something called ‘search validation’ indemnity insurance is acceptable to RBS- First Active.
Do all the licensed conveyancers and solicitor practices listed on your directory have online case tracking as I was under the impression that this was a precondition of being on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel?
No. There is no CML Part 2 or Building Society Association requirement relating to online case tracking. Some law firms operate such technology and some don't.
I am considering refinancing my home does my lawyer have to be on the RBS- First Active Conveyancing panel?
In theory, you could use a solicitor that is not on RBS- First Active conveyancing panel, but RBS- First Active would require one of their panel solicitors to be instructed to act in their interests, and you'd have to pay for this - so most people instruct a panel solicitor. It's also easier, as otherwise you'd have to deal with two solicitors for the same transaction.
How can we tell if a solicitor on the RBS- First Active panel is any good?
seeking recommendations is a good start. Before you go ahead check if they offer a no sale no fee offer. Also you often get what you pay for - a firm which quotes more will often provide a better service than one which is cheap as chips. We would always advise that you speak with the solicitor carrying out your conveyancing
We expect to receive a DIP from RBS- First Active this week so we can work out what to offer on a property we like as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc).Do the RBS- First Active recommend a solicitor on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently
You will need to appoint solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and the RBS- First Active through the process.
I have not been happy with the level or service received from my lawyer. Is there a RBS- First Active conveyancing panel complaints department or do I complain directly to the law firm?
There is little point in complaining directly to RBS- First Active. All solicitors and conveyancer must have a complaints procedure. Usually one can find this information from the solicitor’s or conveyancer’s website or ask at their office. They must tell you about it if you ask.

The Legal Ombudsman will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the solicitor. It can also advise you how to complain.

If a licensed conveyancer does not have a complaints procedure or will not tell you about it, contact the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), which will make sure that your complaint is properly dealt with by the conveyancer. Please see below for more information.