Cotton Tree Trust receives an “Excellent” rating in its first peer review
We are delighted to share that the Cotton Tree Trust has received an Excellence (1) rating in our first Legal Aid Agency peer review.
Excellence (1) is the highest possible peer review rating and recognises legal work delivered to an exceptional standard. Receiving this result in our first peer review is an important milestone for Cotton Tree Trust and a proud moment for our whole team.
What is a peer review?
Peer review is an independent assessment of the quality of legal advice and casework delivered by legal aid providers. An experienced legal aid practitioner examines a sample of case files and considers the quality of the legal work undertaken, including the advice provided, the management and progression of cases, and the service delivered to clients.
The process provides an important safeguard for people accessing publicly funded legal advice and helps ensure that legal aid providers maintain consistently high professional standards.
Why this result matters
Our immigration and asylum clients are often facing complex, urgent and life-changing circumstances. They are navigating a legal system that can be difficult to understand and access as they seek safety. High-quality legal advice can make an enormous difference during these moments. It requires careful legal analysis, thorough preparation, clear communication and a commitment to understanding each client’s individual circumstances.
Receiving an Excellence rating provides independent recognition of the quality, care and professionalism that our team brings to this work.
A collective achievement
This result reflects the dedication of our legal team and everyone who supports the delivery of our legal services.
It also reflects the wider work that happens behind the scenes to maintain strong systems, support our caseworkers and ensure that clients receive a professional, compassionate and well-organised service.
We would like to thank our staff, trustees, volunteers, partners and supporters who have helped us develop and strengthen our legal aid practice. Most importantly, we thank our clients for placing their trust in us.
Continuing to learn and improve
While we are extremely proud of this achievement, we see it as part of an ongoing commitment rather than an endpoint.
We will continue to learn, reflect and improve our services so that people seeking asylum can access the high-quality legal advice and wider support they need to move forward with their lives.
Receiving an Excellence rating in our first peer review gives us confidence in the foundations we have built and renewed determination to continue delivering the best possible service for our clients.
