The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Code of Practice for Applicants and Agents aims to make the patent application process more efficient by encouraging applicants and their agents, such as patent attorneys, to follow best practice. Although adherence to the Code of Practice is not mandatory, following the points set out in the Code could result in an application being processed more quickly and may in some circumstances also lead to cost savings.
The IPO Manual of Patent Practice is also a useful guide (it is a very long document – please do not print before checking)