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Barristers will be required to undergo police checks before being Called to the Bar, under plans announced by the regulator.
Following a consultation on future Bar training the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published a policy statement outlining the future role of the Inns of Court and introducing more robust checks to determine the suitability of those being Called.
Alongside the administration of the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test, prospective barristers will require a ‘standard’ criminal record check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Students will continue to be required to join an Inn and complete a minimum number of professional development events, known as ‘qualifying sessions’ – formerly referred to as ‘dining’ – before they are Called.
The BSB said that the Inns were ‘uniquely placed’ to provide that ‘important function’, but added that it will consider in more detail how many sessions would be appropriate.
The regulator recommended that more of the qualifying sessions should be done outside London, through collaboration with circuits and regional training providers.
Ewen Macleod, BSB Director of Strategy and Policy, said: ‘The Inns of Court play an important role throughout a barrister’s career and most of the consultation responses that we received reflect a desire for their continued involvement before prospective barristers are called to the Bar.’
Any new rules will be subject to approval by the BSB and Legal Services Board, and are expected to come into effect in 2019.
Barristers will be required to undergo police checks before being Called to the Bar, under plans announced by the regulator.
Following a consultation on future Bar training the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published a policy statement outlining the future role of the Inns of Court and introducing more robust checks to determine the suitability of those being Called.
Alongside the administration of the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test, prospective barristers will require a ‘standard’ criminal record check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Students will continue to be required to join an Inn and complete a minimum number of professional development events, known as ‘qualifying sessions’ – formerly referred to as ‘dining’ – before they are Called.
The BSB said that the Inns were ‘uniquely placed’ to provide that ‘important function’, but added that it will consider in more detail how many sessions would be appropriate.
The regulator recommended that more of the qualifying sessions should be done outside London, through collaboration with circuits and regional training providers.
Ewen Macleod, BSB Director of Strategy and Policy, said: ‘The Inns of Court play an important role throughout a barrister’s career and most of the consultation responses that we received reflect a desire for their continued involvement before prospective barristers are called to the Bar.’
Any new rules will be subject to approval by the BSB and Legal Services Board, and are expected to come into effect in 2019.
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
