Selected chambers will be notified in late 2012 and will be asked to identify a lead person with whom the telephone appointment will be arranged. Selected chambers will be provided with the questionnaire in advance along with specific details of how the exercise will be undertaken.

The new equality rules of the Code of Conduct came into force on 1 September 2012. The rules place duties on individual self-employed barristers and include requirements to:

  • gather and publish diversity data by 31.12.12;
  • develop reasonable adjustments, flexible working and equality policies;
  • ensure selection panels are trained in fair recruitment and;
  • appoint a chambers’ Equality and Diversity Officer.

Further details on the new rules may be found at http://bit.ly/RgOUBU