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Attorney General’s Civil and Criminal Panel Counsel

There is a separate template for second and subsequent progress reports. 

As a guide, progress reports should be about four sides of A4 in length.

References to numbers in brackets below are references to the paragraphs so numbered in the Attorney General’s Equality and Diversity Expectations Statement for Civil and Criminal Panel Counsel and their Chambers (“the Expectations Statement”).  Such paragraphs are the basis of the requirements set out below.  A copy of the statement can be found on the Treasury Solicitor’s website.

The Attorney General’s statement builds on the CPS Equality and Diversity Expectations Statement for the Bar, launched in March 2007.  It imposes only requirements that are parallel, not additional, to the CPS statement. 

1. Introductory paragraph

This should be a brief description of the Chambers, its size, numbers of members, pupils, staff.

2. Equality and diversity policy or policies

This should be a summary paragraph on the steps taken or to be taken to produce an equality and diversity policy or policies.  It should indicate what the policy or policies cover against the areas identified in the Expectations Statement including maternity, paternity, parental leave and flexible working and reasonable adjustments to improve access.  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain copies. (Paras 3.1 and 3.8)

3. Equality and diversity actions to implement the policy or policies

This should be a summary paragraph on the actions taken, being taken or planned to implement the equality and diversity policy or policies.  It should indicate what the main actions cover against the areas identified in the Expectations Statement.  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain copies of the action taken or planned. (Para 3.1)

4. Equalities monitoring and under-representation

This should include a summary paragraph which includes a demographic breakdown of members, staff and pupils by ethnicity, gender and disability.  It should summarise any actions taken or planned to address any under-representation identified in the demographic breakdown.  It should summarise any positive action taken or planned including in relation to disabled people.  It should also include any objectives set to help secure a more representative Chambers.  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain more detailed information if required including on applicants, interviewees and appointees. (Paras 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.7)

5. Training

This should include a summary paragraph on any equality and diversity training undertaken or being planned including topics to be covered and who is to be trained (ie members, pupils and/or staff).  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain more detailed information on equalities training and training plans if required. (Para 3.5)

6. Ensuring equal access to and fair allocation of work

This should include a summary paragraph on Chambers’ monitoring of access to and allocation of work, any conclusions drawn and action taken.  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain more detailed information on Chambers’ activity in this area if required. (Para 3.6)

7. Handling complaints

This should be a summary paragraph on the Chamber’s policy and arrangements for handling of complaints including harassment complaints.  It should indicate where the AGO and TSol can obtain further detail if required. (Para 3.9)

Please note: No documents should be attached to this progress report.  Any additional information which is required will be requested.