The scheme, operated by the Queen’s Counsel Selection Panel, has run two competitions under a reformed system established in 2006. A further competition, which closed on the 23rd April 2009, is now in progress.

Sir Duncan has made a number of recommendations for improving the system (some of which the Selection Panel will apply in the 2009-10 competition), but his overall findings are that the system works well in identifying outstanding advocates. The full press release can be found at the Bar Council website.