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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.’
Update from the Chair of the Bar
By David Green
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Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, discusses the upcoming changes to pensions and Inheritance Tax and the potential impact on your financial future
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The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
Born from a grievance, their research project grew into a book and is now challenging the status quo. Emma Price and Emma-Louise Fenelon reveal the key findings – and the critical next steps
Grok around and find out – or not? Mariya Peykova investigates the nudification scandal, what the law has to say about sexually explicit deepfakes, and whether stronger regulation is needed
Oliver Lewis spotlights an overlooked yet rapidly evolving area of law – coercive and controlling behaviour within care contexts
