Secretariat

The Secretariat is headed by Chief Executive David Hobart. Click here for the Chief Executive's profile.

The Secretariat, headed by the Chief Executive, supports the work of the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board Committees. The Services, Representation and Policy Department is the main representation side of our work. The Bar Standards Board deal with regulation. The Equality and Diversity team, the Office Manager and the Chief Accountant report directly to the Director of Central Services.

Click here for a list of staff members in each Department.

The Services, Representation and Policy Department represents the interests of the Bar on a wide range of matters including remuneration, IT and law reform, and issues affecting employed barristers and the young Bar. It provides services for the Bar such as fees collection, the BARMARK scheme and a Chambers arbitration and conciliation scheme. The Department is also responsible for areas of policy relating to legal services, law reform, access to the Bar and international relations.

The Bar Standards Board covers all aspects of professional conduct and professional standards and includes investigation of complaints made against members of the Bar. It also deals with the rules governing education and training.

The BSB deals with all aspects of education and training for the Bar, including academic and vocational training, pupillage and continuing professional development. The Records department which falls within Central Services maintains a database of members of the Bar, and deals with Practising Certificates.