7 NSQ Member joins the Bar Council's Equality and Diversity Committee

by 7 New Square 19/05/2009

The Committee consists of approximately 30 members and works closely with the Bar Standards Board in developing the Equality and Diversity Code.

The Committee applies the law and professional rules which prohibits discrimination and recommends good practice to Chambers as set out by the Bar Standards Board.

Working together with the BSB the Committee provides advice to Chambers wishing to improve their equality and diversity practice, complaints and grievance procedures and is provides advice on the avoidance of all kinds of discrimination. They also provide advice and support to barristers with equality and diversity problems or queries and advises Practice Managers, clerks, pupils, BVC or law students.

The Equality & Diversity Committee's forthcoming objectives are as follows:

They have been invited to respond to a consultation review of the Code of Conduct, by the BSB.
They will be reviewing the implications of the Equality Bill on the profession
Legal Aid Fee Structure
Contributing to the Bar Standards Board Pupillage review
Refining plans for a joint workshop with the Family Law Bar