How to Build Your Accreditation Portfolio

HomeResourcesBuild Your PortfolioPSRAS GuideHow to Build Your Accreditation PortfolioA step-by-step guide to completing your PSRAS portfolio and preparing for the Critical Incidents Test.Portfolio Requirements OverviewYour portfolio is the physical evidence of your competence. It is assessed against the SRA Statement of Standards [1]. According to the latest assessment guidelines (e.g., from Cardiff University [3] or Datalaw [4]), your portfolio generally consists of two main stages:Part A: Observation Minimum 2-3 cases observed Supervisor leads the advice You take detailed notes Focus on procedure & advicePart B: Probationary Practice Minimum 5-9 cases conducted You lead the advice & interview Supervisor observes/assists Must cover different offence typesNote: Exact numbers vary slightly by provider (Cardiff vs Datalaw). Always check your specific course handbook. Typically, you need to demonstrate competence in a range of cases (theft, violence, public order, etc.).What Goes Into a "Case Report"?For each case in your portfolio, you must submit a detailed case report. This is not just a summary of facts; it's a reflective analysis of your performance.1. Client & Case DetailsAnonymised client name (e.g., "Mr X"), age, offence (e.g., "Theft from shop"), and custody record number. Do NOT include real names.2. Disclosure AnalysisWhat did the police tell you? What was missing? Did you ask for more? Explain WHY you pushed for specific disclosure (e.g., "I asked for CCTV viewing to verify identification").3. Legal Advice & StrategyThe most critical section. Did you advise silence ("no comment"), a prepared statement, or answering questions? You must justify this decision referencing the evidence and the "Argent" criteria.4. The InterviewDescribe the interview dynamics. Did you intervene? Did the police ask improper questions? How did the client cope? If you stayed silent, did you ensure the client didn't waffle?5. Reflection (Crucial)What did you do well? What would you do differently next time? Assessors look for self-awareness. "I should have interrupted sooner when the officer badgered the client" is a good reflection.Tips for SuccessKeep detailed contemporaneous notes of every attendanceDon't rush – quality matters more than speedSeek feedback actively and act on itRead widely: PACE Codes, Archbold, practitioner guidesPractice scenario questions for the CITNetwork with other trainee reps and share experiencesCommon Mistakes to AvoidRushing to complete attendances without proper reflectionFailing to document your learning and developmentLimiting yourself to one type of offenceNot seeking feedback from supervisorsUnderestimating the CIT – it requires thorough preparationFull PSRAS GuideRegister as RepReferences & Official Sources[1]SRA Statement of StandardsOfficial competency framework for solicitor and representative accreditation.[2]LAA Police Station Register Arrangements 2025Guidance on probationary status and supervision requirements.[3]Cardiff University PSRAS GuidelinesAssessment organization specific portfolio requirements.[4]Datalaw PSRAS HandbookAssessment organization specific portfolio requirements.Written by Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor. Revised by Robert Cashman on 28th November 2025.