Embracing the Chatham House Rule
To encourage completely open and relaxed conversations, our network operates under the Chatham House Rule. You are highly encouraged to take the ideas, insights and advice shared and use them to help manage your own chambers. All we ask is that you do not identify who made a comment, or mention which chambers they represent.
- You’re welcome to share the takeaways and lessons learned from our discussions, as long as you don’t attribute them to individuals
- To make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking openly, our virtual sessions will not be recorded
- You’re welcome to continue discussions after the meetings, but please remember these are also subject to the Chatham House Rule
How we support one another
- We invite you to be generous with your insights. Sharing your successes, and offering guidance helps build a stronger community
- We welcome open collaboration where varying viewpoints can be explored professionally
- Please ensure that specific client, staff, or personal details remain confidential. Refrain from taking screenshots of virtual meetings or other network communications externally
Maintaining confidentiality and data integrity
To protect the integrity of your chambers, your clients, and the network, members must ensure that no sensitive or identifying data is shared. Discussing specific, unresolved disputes or naming individuals involved in active professional issues is strictly prohibited.
To maintain compliance with data protection laws:
- Never mention individuals by name, or provide details that could easily identify them, when discussing management challenges
- Do not share any personal data or confidential business information
- Ensure that any scenarios or case studies shared for peer advice are anonymised, removing the risk of breaching client-chambers confidentiality
Zero tolerance for misconduct
This network is built entirely on mutual respect, professional courtesy and peer support. We do not tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity, wellbeing, or professional standing of our members. The following are strictly prohibited across all network platforms and events:
- Any form of intimidation, personal attacks, or targeted belittling of other members
- Language that is abusive, offensive, defamatory, or derogatory. This includes any form of discriminatory language based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or background
- Using this space to air personal grievances, undermine professional reputations, or engage in hostile behaviour
Keeping focus
To ensure the network remains a dedicated resource for peer support, we keep all our spaces free from commercial pitches. Similarly, to protect all members, we avoid discussions on anti-competitive topics such as fee-setting.
Accountability and feedback
To protect the integrity of this community, the Bar Council reserves the right to review member conduct and remove individuals from, virtual meeting sessions, and future network events if these guidelines are breached.
If you have suggestions to improve the community, please contact us directly at [email protected]