*/
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) announced proposals to raise standards in the youth court so that it is no longer seen as a training ground for advocates but an area of specialism.
It followed research, commissioned by the BSB and CILEx Regulation last year, that found the quality of advocacy was ‘highly variable’, a lack of specialist knowledgeand training, and that the court was seen as a place for advocates to ‘cut their teeth’.
The BSB wants to establish youth court advocacy as an area of specialism, setting competencies and providing guidance on how to satisfy them. To improve performance, it is considering a range of options, from risk-based or sampled court visits to observe advocacy, to encouraging those who come into contact with a youth court advocate to bring concerns to the BSB’s attention.
Where identified, poor performance would be addressed by supporting the advocate to improve, with enforcement action reserved for the most serious or persistent cases. The BSB also plans to work with others in the youth justice sector to raise the status of youth advocacy work.
BSB director of supervision and authorisation, Oliver Hanmer, said: ‘The youth court deals with some of the most vulnerable people within the criminal justice system and the impact of poor quality advocacy is therefore grave.’ He said the BSB is committed to improving standards and making a positive difference to the lives of those who appear in the youth court.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) announced proposals to raise standards in the youth court so that it is no longer seen as a training ground for advocates but an area of specialism.
It followed research, commissioned by the BSB and CILEx Regulation last year, that found the quality of advocacy was ‘highly variable’, a lack of specialist knowledgeand training, and that the court was seen as a place for advocates to ‘cut their teeth’.
The BSB wants to establish youth court advocacy as an area of specialism, setting competencies and providing guidance on how to satisfy them. To improve performance, it is considering a range of options, from risk-based or sampled court visits to observe advocacy, to encouraging those who come into contact with a youth court advocate to bring concerns to the BSB’s attention.
Where identified, poor performance would be addressed by supporting the advocate to improve, with enforcement action reserved for the most serious or persistent cases. The BSB also plans to work with others in the youth justice sector to raise the status of youth advocacy work.
BSB director of supervision and authorisation, Oliver Hanmer, said: ‘The youth court deals with some of the most vulnerable people within the criminal justice system and the impact of poor quality advocacy is therefore grave.’ He said the BSB is committed to improving standards and making a positive difference to the lives of those who appear in the youth court.
The Bar Council faces both opportunities and challenges on our key areas this year
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs discusses the benefits of Non-invasive Prenatal Paternity testing for the timely resolution of family disputes
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Have you considered being a barrister in the British Army? Here’s an insight into a career in Army Legal Services
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
‘Hard work and commitment can open doors. I believe that I am proof of that,’ says Senior Treasury Counsel Louise Oakley. She tells Anthony Inglese CB about her journey from Wolverhampton to the Old Bailey
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
