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Key facts and statistics
- Establishment - The BSB was established in 2006.
- Scope - The BSB regulates approximately 16,000 practising barristers.
- Regulatory framework - The BSB operates under the Legal Services Act 2007.
- Complaints - In 2020-2021, the BSB received over 1,200 complaints, highlighting its active role in maintaining professional standards.
Key definitions
- Barrister - A type of lawyer in common law jurisdictions who specialises in courtroom advocacy, drafting legal pleadings, and giving expert legal opinions.
- BSB Handbook - A comprehensive guide detailing the rules and standards that barristers must follow.
- Continuing Professional Development - Ongoing education that barristers are required to undertake to maintain their professional competence.
Importance of the BSB
The BSB ensures public confidence in the legal profession by enforcing high standards of practice and ethical behaviour. It provides a framework for the training and qualification of barristers, monitors compliance with regulatory requirements, and takes disciplinary action when necessary. The BSB's work is crucial in protecting consumers of legal services and maintaining the rule of law.
Best practices for compliance
Adherence to the BSB handbook
The BSB Handbook outlines the Code of Conduct, and the rules barristers must follow. Barristers should familiarise themselves with the Handbook and ensure their practices align with its provisions. Regular updates and reviews of the Handbook mean continuous compliance attention is necessary.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD is a vital component of a barrister's professional development. The BSB mandates that all practising barristers undertake a certain number of CPD hours annually. This ensures that barristers remain knowledgeable about current laws and practices, providing the highest service quality.
Complaints and disciplinary procedures
Understanding the procedures for handling complaints and disciplinary matters is essential. The BSB provides clear guidelines on managing complaints and the steps involved in disciplinary actions. Barristers should establish robust internal procedures to address any complaints efficiently and transparently.
Equality and diversity
The BSB significantly emphasises promoting equality and diversity within the legal profession. Barristers and chambers must implement policies that promote an inclusive work environment and comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Risk management
Effective risk management practices are crucial for compliance. Barristers should regularly assess potential risks in their practice and implement strategies to mitigate them. This includes staying informed about changes in legislation and regulatory requirements.
Recommendations
To effectively implement the above best practices, barristers and chambers should consider the following recommendations:
- Regular training and updates - Engage in regular training sessions on the BSB Handbook and CPD requirements. Utilise resources such as ComplyPlus™ for up-to-date information and training modules.
- Develop internal policies - Create and maintain internal policies that reflect the BSB's standards and guidelines. This includes policies on complaints handling, equality and diversity, and risk management.
- Use compliance software - Implementing compliance management software like ComplyPlus™ can streamline the process of staying compliant with BSB regulations. These tools offer automated updates, training modules, and monitoring features.
Conclusion
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is indispensable in regulating the legal profession, ensuring that barristers uphold the highest standards of practice and ethics. By understanding and adhering to the BSB's regulations, barristers can provide exceptional legal services, maintain public trust, and advance their professional careers. To support compliance, The Mandatory Training Group offers comprehensive solutions through our ComplyPlus™ software, providing essential tools and resources to help legal professionals meet their regulatory obligations effectively.
Click here for more information on how ComplyPlus™ can help you stay compliant with BSB regulations and enhance your professional development, and explore our training courses and compliance management solutions today.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
