As part of our ongoing work to support chambers management we’ve launched a series of model policy templates covering a range of employee management matters.

The new model policies are:

Disciplinary – this template covers employees and, where required, pupil barristers and clearly sets out the steps for handling unacceptable behaviour and misconduct

Grievance – again, covering employees and pupil barristers, this template sets out informal and formal processes for raising a grievance and how it will be handled by chambers

Appraisals – just as practice reviews are important for barristers, regular feedback and appraisals are essential for employee management and career progression. This template sets out the principles and processes for informal and formal review meetings, as well as guidance on setting clear objectives. It also includes template forms for documenting formal reviews

Capability – this model policy covers how chambers will manage poor performance and under-performance of employees. It sets out informal and formal approaches and includes a template action plan to support employees to improve their performance

Social media – this model policy sets out expectations for the use of social media at work – both personal and work-related use – and how any concerns will be handled by chambers

The model policies were devised by the Bar Council’s Chambers Management Panel and ADR Resolutions. The documents complement the Bar Council’s comprehensive list of policies and procedures for chambers covering behaviour management, client management and instructions, employee management, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, health and wellbeing, information security, governance, practice development, and pupillage and recruitment.

Earlier this year the Bar Council launched the chambers management enquiry service – an email-based service to provide guidance and assistance on all issues relating to chambers management.

The Bar Council is also running a series of online training events for managing people and behaviours at the Bar.