Casework Skills Test Question 46 – Meeting a legal response deadline with an incomplete file
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Practice focus: Deadline management, missing records and accurate submissions
Difficulty: Hard
Scenario
A formal response to a tribunal is due tomorrow. The digital case record is incomplete and the paper file containing the original decision analysis is stored off-site. The retrieval team cannot guarantee delivery before the deadline. Procedure allows an extension request where records are unavailable, but the tribunal must be contacted promptly and given an accurate explanation. A legal adviser and your manager are available.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Request the file urgently, alert the manager and legal adviser, prepare the information that can be verified and seek an extension promptly if a complete accurate response cannot be filed.
Rate this action:
Counterproductive Ineffective Fairly Effective Effective
Action B
Reconstruct the missing decision reasoning from the outcome and standard wording, then submit it as if it were the original analysis.
Rate this action:
Counterproductive Ineffective Fairly Effective Effective
Action C
Wait for the paper file and accept that the deadline may be missed because a response should never be sent without the complete record.
Rate this action:
Counterproductive Ineffective Fairly Effective Effective
Action D
Send a brief holding response stating that the file is incomplete and that more information will follow, without consulting the legal adviser or asking whether the tribunal will accept it.
Rate this action:
Counterproductive Ineffective Fairly Effective Effective
Click to reveal the answer
| Action | Correct rating |
|---|---|
| Action A | Effective |
| Action B | Counterproductive |
| Action C | Ineffective |
| Action D | Fairly Effective |
Members can unlock the full explanation for all four actions, including how evidence, fairness, confidentiality, customer impact and authority affect each rating.
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