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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.’
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
