Tonight’s Channel 4 News aired interviews with the three complainants in the disciplinary case of Jo Sidhu KC (currently subject to appeal), as well as an interview with Baroness Harman – chair of the independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar, established by the Bar Council last year.
The news item covered very serious issues around sexual harassment and the culture at the Bar – issues that the Bar Council is deeply concerned about. Bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at the Bar.
The Bar Council encourages barristers and chambers professionals to continue to report inappropriate behaviours they have experienced or witnessed. We recognise how difficult it is for complainants to come forward, especially to report sexual misconduct. Links to support are provided below.
In the news item, presenter Cathy Newman said she had seen a draft of Harriet Harman’s report. We understand that, as part of the fact checking process, the review team shared some draft content of the report (not a full report) with a number of individuals who have given personal evidence to the review. Unfortunately, some of this confidential content has been shared with Channel 4 News.
Anything shared with the media or online at this stage is from early draft content, which may change significantly, and therefore may contain errors and inaccuracies.
We look forward to hearing the findings and recommendations of Baroness Harman's independent review later this year – this is an important opportunity to change the culture at the Bar to tackle the persistent problems of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Baroness Harman will be speaking at our annual Bar Conference on 7 June.
Support on bullying and harassment
Talk to Spot – the Bar Council’s confidential tool for recording incidents of harassment – gives complainants a way to raise concerns safely and securely until the time they feel able to make formal reports to the BSB, police, or other appropriate body.
Support for the Bar is also available via the Bar Council’s equality and diversity helpline, the free 24/7 assistance programme, and LawCare – the mental health charity for the legal profession.
Talk to Spot: use Talk to Spot to anonymously and confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate and abusive behaviour. Find out more about Talk to Spot.
Speak to the Bar Council: email the equality and diversity team in confidence for support and advice about bullying, harassment or sexual harassment issues.
Call the Assistance Programme: available to everyone working in and around the Bar. The programme is run by Health Assured and provides fully funded, confidential support. Call 0800 169 2040. Visit the wellbeing at the Bar website.
Get in touch with LawCare: the mental health charity for the legal sector. Volunteers provide free and confidential emotional support. The helpline is open 9am to 5pm every weekday (except bank holidays). Call 0800 279 6888 or visit the LawCare website.
Stop it campaign: Chambers and organisations employing barristers are encouraged to download and display our Talk to Spot posters in bathrooms and other shared areas.