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The BVC Review Working Group, chaired by Derek Wood QC, presented its report to the Bar Standards Board at its meeting on 17 July. The report summarises the issues addressed, the methodology undertaken, and the wide evidence base used for decision-making (including analysis of existing material, wide-ranging meetings with relevant stakeholders and an online questionnaire completed by almost 500 present and recent BVC students).
The findings and recommendations of the Group include: a change in title to the ‘Bar Professional Training Course’; the need for greater engagement between the practising profession and the BVC; some amendments to subject areas (including greater emphasis on the teaching and assessment of professional ethics; more content on the resolution of disputes out of court; and the delivery of legal research as part of induction, rather than as an assessed subject); and more rigorous entry requirements, including a universal aptitude test and formal language
testing for applicants. Although teaching was generally found to be good, more clearly defined standards are recommended for teaching, learning and assessment on the course, set at a high level as defined by the professional course descriptors and universal assessment grading
criteria. Stricter exit standards should also be maintained, with more limited opportunities for retaking examinations and universal exit testing in knowledge areas. A new Handbook is being produced for the course, encapsulating the proposed changes and accreditation and Quality Assurance procedures.
The findings and recommendations of the Group include: a change in title to the ‘Bar Professional Training Course’; the need for greater engagement between the practising profession and the BVC; some amendments to subject areas (including greater emphasis on the teaching and assessment of professional ethics; more content on the resolution of disputes out of court; and the delivery of legal research as part of induction, rather than as an assessed subject); and more rigorous entry requirements, including a universal aptitude test and formal language
testing for applicants. Although teaching was generally found to be good, more clearly defined standards are recommended for teaching, learning and assessment on the course, set at a high level as defined by the professional course descriptors and universal assessment grading
criteria. Stricter exit standards should also be maintained, with more limited opportunities for retaking examinations and universal exit testing in knowledge areas. A new Handbook is being produced for the course, encapsulating the proposed changes and accreditation and Quality Assurance procedures.
The BVC Review Working Group, chaired by Derek Wood QC, presented its report to the Bar Standards Board at its meeting on 17 July. The report summarises the issues addressed, the methodology undertaken, and the wide evidence base used for decision-making (including analysis of existing material, wide-ranging meetings with relevant stakeholders and an online questionnaire completed by almost 500 present and recent BVC students).
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
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
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
