*/
Barristers have responded in record numbers to the Bar’s wellbeing survey, the first of its kind to assess the mental health of a whole profession in any country.
Over 2,500 members of the profession responded to the survey, conducted in October and November last year, which far surpassed the original target of 300.
The results are currently being analysed, but early indications suggest that barristers display greater than average degrees of perfectionism and rumination.
Rachel Spearing, Chair of the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Project, said: “The high response rate is fantastic. It means we will be able to develop highly targeted and focused support strategies for our members. The overwhelming response perhaps reflects the levels of stress members of the profession are currently under, alongside a growing recognition that we need to be better at both looking after ourselves and in supporting others.
“The Bar, by its very nature, can be a stressful place to work; from the subject matter, urgency and speed at which we are required to operate, to the often isolating nature and responsibilities of self-employed practice, barristers are acutely at risk from performance-inhibiting factors.
“Despite these well-known pressures the profession remains an environment where it is perceived to be professionally ‘fatal’ to reveal any weakness.”
The survey was part of the Bar Council’s wellbeing campaign, launched in May 2014, to dismantle the stigma associated with seeking help. Championed by the Inns of Court, Circuits and SBAs, together with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the campaign has received offers of support from wellness networks and services.
The results will be used to develop a toolkit, planned for spring 2015, of strategies to manage and maintain wellbeing using “resilience” techniques.
A final phase will educate and train barristers, clerks and those in a management role to be supportive and mindful of the stresses of life as a barrister and the manifestations that can follow. The Barristers’ Working Lives Survey in 2013 revealed that over half of the participants reported being emotionally drained by their work; and 65% said they often felt under too much work pressure.
The results are currently being analysed, but early indications suggest that barristers display greater than average degrees of perfectionism and rumination.
Rachel Spearing, Chair of the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Project, said: “The high response rate is fantastic. It means we will be able to develop highly targeted and focused support strategies for our members. The overwhelming response perhaps reflects the levels of stress members of the profession are currently under, alongside a growing recognition that we need to be better at both looking after ourselves and in supporting others.
“The Bar, by its very nature, can be a stressful place to work; from the subject matter, urgency and speed at which we are required to operate, to the often isolating nature and responsibilities of self-employed practice, barristers are acutely at risk from performance-inhibiting factors.
“Despite these well-known pressures the profession remains an environment where it is perceived to be professionally ‘fatal’ to reveal any weakness.”
The survey was part of the Bar Council’s wellbeing campaign, launched in May 2014, to dismantle the stigma associated with seeking help. Championed by the Inns of Court, Circuits and SBAs, together with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the campaign has received offers of support from wellness networks and services.
The results will be used to develop a toolkit, planned for spring 2015, of strategies to manage and maintain wellbeing using “resilience” techniques.
A final phase will educate and train barristers, clerks and those in a management role to be supportive and mindful of the stresses of life as a barrister and the manifestations that can follow. The Barristers’ Working Lives Survey in 2013 revealed that over half of the participants reported being emotionally drained by their work; and 65% said they often felt under too much work pressure.
Barristers have responded in record numbers to the Bar’s wellbeing survey, the first of its kind to assess the mental health of a whole profession in any country.
Over 2,500 members of the profession responded to the survey, conducted in October and November last year, which far surpassed the original target of 300.
In this month’s column, Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights the many reasons why barristers should pay the Bar Representation Fee and back the Bar Council’s efforts on behalf of the profession
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Leading legal DNA, drug, and alcohol testing provider AlphaBiolabs has made its first Giving Back charity draw of 2024 with Andrew Sibson, a Legal Officer at Leeds City Council, being chosen as its first winner
Discover Lloyd’s unique approach to financial planning and experience working with barristers
Trust Delaunay Wealth to stand by your side amid the uncertainties ahead, writes Lloyd French
Lighting fires that cast unfairness into the shadows, creating history at home and abroad, and being comfortable with who you are – the remarkable criminal and international human rights barrister Kirsty Brimelow KC
No longer an exclusive boys’ club, but still some way to go. To mark International Women's Day, Millie Rai describes what it’s like being a young female barrister at the Commercial Chancery Bar
Marking International Women's Day, Will Tyler KC interviews two female silks at the helm of two huge specialist Bar associations about their lives and careers – finding a common theme both to their success and the challenges facing their respective Bars
If we fail to nurture women’s collective talent, half the population of this country will not be properly represented – from the junior Criminal Bar right up to the senior Judiciary. We cannot let all the hard work be undone, says Tana Adkin KC on International Women's Day
In this month’s column, Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights the many reasons why barristers should pay the Bar Representation Fee and back the Bar Council’s efforts on behalf of the profession