*/
Barristers will be required to undergo police checks before being Called to the Bar, under plans announced by the regulator.
Following a consultation on future Bar training the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published a policy statement outlining the future role of the Inns of Court and introducing more robust checks to determine the suitability of those being Called.
Alongside the administration of the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test, prospective barristers will require a ‘standard’ criminal record check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Students will continue to be required to join an Inn and complete a minimum number of professional development events, known as ‘qualifying sessions’ – formerly referred to as ‘dining’ – before they are Called.
The BSB said that the Inns were ‘uniquely placed’ to provide that ‘important function’, but added that it will consider in more detail how many sessions would be appropriate.
The regulator recommended that more of the qualifying sessions should be done outside London, through collaboration with circuits and regional training providers.
Ewen Macleod, BSB Director of Strategy and Policy, said: ‘The Inns of Court play an important role throughout a barrister’s career and most of the consultation responses that we received reflect a desire for their continued involvement before prospective barristers are called to the Bar.’
Any new rules will be subject to approval by the BSB and Legal Services Board, and are expected to come into effect in 2019.
Barristers will be required to undergo police checks before being Called to the Bar, under plans announced by the regulator.
Following a consultation on future Bar training the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published a policy statement outlining the future role of the Inns of Court and introducing more robust checks to determine the suitability of those being Called.
Alongside the administration of the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test, prospective barristers will require a ‘standard’ criminal record check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Students will continue to be required to join an Inn and complete a minimum number of professional development events, known as ‘qualifying sessions’ – formerly referred to as ‘dining’ – before they are Called.
The BSB said that the Inns were ‘uniquely placed’ to provide that ‘important function’, but added that it will consider in more detail how many sessions would be appropriate.
The regulator recommended that more of the qualifying sessions should be done outside London, through collaboration with circuits and regional training providers.
Ewen Macleod, BSB Director of Strategy and Policy, said: ‘The Inns of Court play an important role throughout a barrister’s career and most of the consultation responses that we received reflect a desire for their continued involvement before prospective barristers are called to the Bar.’
Any new rules will be subject to approval by the BSB and Legal Services Board, and are expected to come into effect in 2019.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
