*/
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned the controversial quality assurance scheme for advocates (QASA).
After six years, several delays and consultations and an unsuccessful judicial review by the profession, the BSB finally announced that it will not implement QASA.
Following a review, the BSB said it has decided to take a new approach in line with its risk and evidence based regulatory regime, which encourages barristers to take greater responsibility for their own learning and development.
BSB Chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘This in no way should be seen as a reduction in the BSB’s commitment to ensure that the public has access to good quality barristers. It is rather a reflection of our willingness to adapt and change our regulatory approach so as best to deliver our strategic objectives.’
Welcoming the decision, Bar Chair, Andrew Langdon QC, said: ‘The birth of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates was not celebrated by many and its death will be mourned by fewer.’
He said: ‘It is well known that many barristers were unhappy with the proposed scheme, not least because it risked placing both advocates and judges in a problematic position, given their respective roles during a trial.
‘Similarly, the Bar does not recognise that the concept of a “plea only advocate” was compatible with the role of defence counsel.’
QASA’s demise, Langdon said, allows space for the Bar itself, including through the work of each of the Bar Council, the Inns, the College of Advocacy, the Circuits and the specialist Bar associations, to reinforce standards in a more flexible and proportionate way.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned the controversial quality assurance scheme for advocates (QASA).
After six years, several delays and consultations and an unsuccessful judicial review by the profession, the BSB finally announced that it will not implement QASA.
Following a review, the BSB said it has decided to take a new approach in line with its risk and evidence based regulatory regime, which encourages barristers to take greater responsibility for their own learning and development.
BSB Chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘This in no way should be seen as a reduction in the BSB’s commitment to ensure that the public has access to good quality barristers. It is rather a reflection of our willingness to adapt and change our regulatory approach so as best to deliver our strategic objectives.’
Welcoming the decision, Bar Chair, Andrew Langdon QC, said: ‘The birth of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates was not celebrated by many and its death will be mourned by fewer.’
He said: ‘It is well known that many barristers were unhappy with the proposed scheme, not least because it risked placing both advocates and judges in a problematic position, given their respective roles during a trial.
‘Similarly, the Bar does not recognise that the concept of a “plea only advocate” was compatible with the role of defence counsel.’
QASA’s demise, Langdon said, allows space for the Bar itself, including through the work of each of the Bar Council, the Inns, the College of Advocacy, the Circuits and the specialist Bar associations, to reinforce standards in a more flexible and proportionate way.
Chair of the Bar reflects on 2025
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
Revolt Cycling in Holborn, London’s first sustainable fitness studio, invites barristers to join the revolution – turning pedal power into clean energy
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, reflects on how the company’s Giving Back ethos continues to make a difference to communities across the UK
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC present their best buys for this holiday season
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Little has changed since Burns v Burns . Cohabiting couples deserve better than to be left on the blasted heath with the existing witch’s brew for another four decades, argues Christopher Stirling
Pointillism, radical politics and social conscience. Review by Stephen Cragg KC
