Law firms should expect both.
X-Press Legal Services is urging law firms to take a closer look at their property data suppliers to ensure they are not being exposed to unnecessary compliance risks.
The largest independent provider of property data in England and Wales, X-Press Legal Services has reaffirmed its membership of the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) and upholding of the Search Code, code of practice. Together with the firm’s Cyber Essentials Plus certification, these credentials reflect a commitment to compliance that X-Press believes should be standard across the industry.
The Search Code was introduced by the Council of Property Search Organisations (CoPSO) in 2006 to set minimum standards for private sector search providers to protect consumers, estate agents, conveyancers and mortgage lenders. It sets requirements for private search providers covering data accuracy, professional conduct, insurance and complaints handling. Compliance is independently monitored by the Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB), meaning conveyancers don’t need to undertake supplier due diligence on member firms like X-Press that display the Search Code logo.
Cyber Essentials Plus provides further assurance through an independent technical assessment of the systems and security controls used to protect against common cyber threats.
CoPSO estimates that over 80 per cent of property searches are conducted by providers subscribed to the Search Code but X-Press Legal Services believes every responsible law firm should still check the credentials of their chosen supplier.
Lynne Lister, managing director of X-Press Legal Services commented:
“The majority of consumers buying property searches have no idea how critical they are to property transactions, but conveyancers do and they should ensure they are buying products from firms that are regulated. Our membership of CoPSO and the Search Code is something we proudly share with all clients to demonstrate that we are a supplier committed to proactive, independent regulation. I’d encourage all conveyancing firms to recognise the protection these regulatory bodies provide and prioritise working with CoPSO members as part of their compliance regime.”
X-Press Legal Services is the leading independent provider of conveyancing data in England and Wales. Trusted by over 500 legal practices it delivers regulated property data, searches, reports, quotation management tools, compliance and insurance products, plus other essential services that streamline the conveyancing process. The firm also supports ongoing professional development for conveyancers through regular CPD events, webinars and publications delivering expert guidance, reliable data and innovative technology at every stage.