*/
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).
A decade of cuts and the brutal pandemic have left courts and barristers struggling to cope – a bid for justice spending
The Lawyers’ Group of the Oasis of Peace UK are delighted to announce that on Thursday, 28 October 2021, Professor Philippe Sands QC will be delivering the 12th Rueff Lecture (via Zoom) entitled ‘Thinking About an International Rule of Law’
Inés Rivera explains how speech technology is transforming policing, courts and prisons
Philip N Bristow explains how to unlock your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step
With the property market witnessing significant changes since the beginning of the pandemic, Fleet Street Wealth’s Managing Director Julian Morgan considers the future of the home, the second home and the office
In partnership with the Bar Council, LexisNexis is offering up to 60% off its extensive webinar offering.
Should we cap numbers coming to the Bar? Or help them make data driven decisions? asks IshanKolhatkar
In a profession which can be attached to, and defined by, archaic stereotypes, how to be yourself, explore new areas and own your own time? Here are Lennart Poulsen's 'lessons learnt'...
Other sectors have support staff in place for senior professionals, so why not the Bar? An established barrister/VA team and their matchmaker explain how they make it work
Two years in, the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales talks to Natasha Isaac about getting the sector from survival to thrive mode, the critical role of IDVAs and ISVAs, and her desire to work with the Bar
Charlotte Mackenzie introduces the project increasing access to justice in Malawi through education on bail rights
