Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council, has urged barristers and chambers professionals to report inappropriate behaviours they have experienced or witnessed at the Bar to help change the culture at the Bar.
In the last few months there has been a cluster of findings by the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service (BTAS) involving inappropriate behaviour and professional misconduct of a sexual nature, including at today’s sanctions hearing in which Jo Sidhu KC was ordered to be disbarred.
The independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, led by Baroness Harman KC, is well underway and due to report in June. The review has been gathering evidence to consider the impact of bullying and harassment and the efficacy of current reporting mechanisms, as well as identifying the reasons for these behaviours and potential solutions.
Commenting, Barbara Mills KC, said:
“Inappropriate behaviour, bullying, and sexual harassment will not be tolerated at the Bar and there can be very serious consequences for anyone found to have acted in such a way.
“I recognise how difficult it is for complainants to come forward, especially to report sexual misconduct. But I hope the Bar has confidence that reports will be taken seriously, and that support is available.
“We look forward to hearing the findings and recommendations of Baroness Harman's independent review later this year – this is an important opportunity for us to change the culture at the Bar to tackle the persistent problems of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
“The Bar Council strongly encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any other forms of inappropriate behaviour, to report these incidents if they feel able to.
“Talk to Spot is also available for anyone working in and around the Bar to raise their concerns.”
Support on bullying and harassment
Talk to Spot – the Bar Council’s confidential tool for recording incidents of harassment – gives complainants a way to raise concerns safely and securely until the time they feel able to make formal reports to the BSB, police, or other appropriate body.
Support for the Bar is also available via the Bar Council’s equality and diversity helpline, the free 24/7 assistance programme, and LawCare – the mental health charity for the legal profession.
Talk to Spot: use Talk to Spot to anonymously and confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate and abusive behaviour. Find out more about Talk to Spot.
Speak to the Bar Council: email the equality and diversity team in confidence for support and advice about bullying, harassment or sexual harassment issues.
Call the Assistance Programme: available to everyone working in and around the Bar. The programme is run by Health Assured and provides fully funded, confidential support. Call 0800 169 2040. Visit the wellbeing at the Bar website.
Get in touch with LawCare: the mental health charity for the legal sector. Volunteers provide free and confidential emotional support. The helpline is open 9am to 5pm every weekday (except bank holidays). Call 0800 279 6888 or visit the LawCare website.
Stop it campaign: Chambers and organisations employing barristers are encouraged to download and display our Talk to Spot posters in bathrooms and other shared areas.