Update on Channel Partners for the SDLT forum - 31 October 2007

Direct Channels and Channel Partners

The ability for customers to be able to access the e-conveyancing service through one or numerous access channels is one of the long-term objectives of the programme.

Land Registry is currently focusing its attention on the development of its LR Portal, the basic entry level to e-conveyancing, which is scheduled for delivery in early 2008. This channel is likely to appeal most to conveyancers who do not use case management software or those who only require infrequent access to the service. Now that this work is well underway, Land Registry will begin to introduce more delivery channels in line with its stated intention to work within a mixed economy model that provides numerous routes to e-conveyancing services.

During the market research carried out in Summer 2007 numerous stakeholders expressed an interest in establishing a direct link to Land Registry’s e-conveyancing system (i.e. not via Land Registry’s portal), e.g. using case management software, NLIS, Connect Direct.

Land Registry is currently considering the findings of this research, alongside findings from the Chain Matrix prototype (which ended in October 2007), to determine the most effective way of delivering these new services in the future. Our support partner IBM is providing assistance with this work. It is likely that the first services offered via the Portal and direct channels will be the Chain Matrix and electronic charges.

We recognise the importance of case management software to many conveyancers and a Channel Partner Marketing and Sales team has recently been set up to assist customers who may be interested in developing a direct link with Land Registry. The selection process for these roles has now been completed and the Team Leader for this team is Andrew Graham. Once Land Registry’s strategy and timescales for the provision of direct channels has been agreed this will be made public.

Pisces

Land Registry met with the Director General of PISCES in October 2007 to further discuss Land Registry’s position regarding membership of PISCES. This issue is now under active consideration at a very senior level within Land Registry and a final decision about how Land Registry can best work with PISCES in the future is expected in November 2007.

Contact:

Andrew Graham
Marketing and Sales (Channel Partner Team)
024 76 868 125
Andrew.graham@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk