*/
Many chambers are failing in their obligation to disclose diversity data, according to an academic study.
Dr Steven Vaughan, a senior lecturer at Birmingham University’s Law School,conducted a random survey of 160 chambers, of which 91 disclosed some diversity data, although he found ‘widespread non-compliance’ and suggested that chambers were misinterpreting the disclosure requirements.
The paper, Prefer not to say: diversity and diversity reporting at the Bar of England & Wales, found that while chambers were good at disclosing data on gender, fewer than one in four were willing to do so in relation to socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and disability status, although sets were better at disclosing diversity information about their staff.
Vaughan criticised the Bar Standards Board for not compelling chambers to pass their data on to it and suggested that diversity details, which are held in two places on its website, were displayed in a ‘misleading’ manner that demonstrated a ‘lack of transparency’ and could lead to ‘varying perceptions’ of diversity at the Bar.
A BSB spokesperson said it is considering the points raised, but added: ‘We believe there are a number of advantages associated with our current approach to monitoring the diversity of the barrister profession, including the ability to track progression.’
Many chambers are failing in their obligation to disclose diversity data, according to an academic study.
Dr Steven Vaughan, a senior lecturer at Birmingham University’s Law School,conducted a random survey of 160 chambers, of which 91 disclosed some diversity data, although he found ‘widespread non-compliance’ and suggested that chambers were misinterpreting the disclosure requirements.
The paper, Prefer not to say: diversity and diversity reporting at the Bar of England & Wales, found that while chambers were good at disclosing data on gender, fewer than one in four were willing to do so in relation to socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and disability status, although sets were better at disclosing diversity information about their staff.
Vaughan criticised the Bar Standards Board for not compelling chambers to pass their data on to it and suggested that diversity details, which are held in two places on its website, were displayed in a ‘misleading’ manner that demonstrated a ‘lack of transparency’ and could lead to ‘varying perceptions’ of diversity at the Bar.
A BSB spokesperson said it is considering the points raised, but added: ‘We believe there are a number of advantages associated with our current approach to monitoring the diversity of the barrister profession, including the ability to track progression.’
Update from the Chair of the Bar
Save the Children UK is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
AlphaBiolabs has been awarded the contract to provide drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services for Hull City Council, following a rigorous competitive tender process
By Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group
Modernising communication and collaboration at a leading Chancery set. A Zexi case study
How to build profile without compromising professional duties. By Naumaan Farooq, Co-Founder of Inked PR
A decade of reviews and research has disrupted accepted thinking in the search for causality. Suicides following abuse have overtaken domestic homicides. Is the law keeping up? Professor Susan Edwards KC (Hon) examines recent cases and the obstacles to successful prosecution
At least not that way, says Richard Paige
The case against judge-only justice – and why efficiency is not enough. By Professor Leslie Thomas KC
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Lauren Fullerton examines the how, what and why of setting up a second chambers base
