*/
Many chambers are failing in their obligation to disclose diversity data, according to an academic study.
Dr Steven Vaughan, a senior lecturer at Birmingham University’s Law School,conducted a random survey of 160 chambers, of which 91 disclosed some diversity data, although he found ‘widespread non-compliance’ and suggested that chambers were misinterpreting the disclosure requirements.
The paper, Prefer not to say: diversity and diversity reporting at the Bar of England & Wales, found that while chambers were good at disclosing data on gender, fewer than one in four were willing to do so in relation to socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and disability status, although sets were better at disclosing diversity information about their staff.
Vaughan criticised the Bar Standards Board for not compelling chambers to pass their data on to it and suggested that diversity details, which are held in two places on its website, were displayed in a ‘misleading’ manner that demonstrated a ‘lack of transparency’ and could lead to ‘varying perceptions’ of diversity at the Bar.
A BSB spokesperson said it is considering the points raised, but added: ‘We believe there are a number of advantages associated with our current approach to monitoring the diversity of the barrister profession, including the ability to track progression.’
Many chambers are failing in their obligation to disclose diversity data, according to an academic study.
Dr Steven Vaughan, a senior lecturer at Birmingham University’s Law School,conducted a random survey of 160 chambers, of which 91 disclosed some diversity data, although he found ‘widespread non-compliance’ and suggested that chambers were misinterpreting the disclosure requirements.
The paper, Prefer not to say: diversity and diversity reporting at the Bar of England & Wales, found that while chambers were good at disclosing data on gender, fewer than one in four were willing to do so in relation to socio-economic background, sexual orientation, and disability status, although sets were better at disclosing diversity information about their staff.
Vaughan criticised the Bar Standards Board for not compelling chambers to pass their data on to it and suggested that diversity details, which are held in two places on its website, were displayed in a ‘misleading’ manner that demonstrated a ‘lack of transparency’ and could lead to ‘varying perceptions’ of diversity at the Bar.
A BSB spokesperson said it is considering the points raised, but added: ‘We believe there are a number of advantages associated with our current approach to monitoring the diversity of the barrister profession, including the ability to track progression.’
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
What's it like being a legal trainee at the Crown Prosecution Service? Amy describes what drew her to the role, the skills required and a typical day in the life
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
