Responding to the IBA's new report on sexual harassment and bullying in the legal profession, Richard Atkins QC, Chair of the Bar and Amanda Pinto QC, Chair-Elect of the Bar, commented:
"This is an extremely valuable report, which we encourage barristers and all in chambers to take the time to read.
"The report makes 10 clear recommendations for action, all of which the Bar Council is already actively pursuing. This report however, is a reminder that we must all do more to tackle these wholly unacceptable behaviours. We continue to encourage members of the profession, particularly those in senior positions, to call out inappropriate behaviour. This report reminds us why this is so important."
Sam Mercer, Head of Diversity & Inclusion and CSR at the Bar Council, said:
"The Bar Council is proactive on this agenda and we must continue to invest time and effort into tackling these issues. Leadership is key. We have developed a full programme of work designed for the chambers context - policies, guidance, training, and working with the regulator to support reporting, and those making a complaint. We have seen increased recognition and willingness to engage through our range of support services. Specific training, especially facilitating conversations on this topic in chambers proves helpful for those who have faced harassment and bullying and can help clear up concerns and confusion over what is and isn't acceptable behaviour. Most importantly however, we find it gives members and staff permission to call unacceptable behaviours out.
"We have made clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, and are keen to see greater adoption of anti-bullying and harassment policies and uptake of training across the legal profession to address these issues."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Action on the 10 recommendations:
Research, articles, campaigning etc.
Judicial bullying & sexual harassment guides, policy templates
E&D training (including specific harassment training)
Exploring online reporting tool for harassment & bullying - more news to come
Through our Young Barristers' Committee
Wellbeing & good chambers management
Training & campaigning
715 UK lawyers responded to this international survey on harassment and bullying. The global resultsfor barristerssuggest that 47.3 per cent of women and 8 per cent of men have experienced workplace harassment, while 60 per cent of female and 36.4 per cent of male barristers have experienced workplace bullying.
Further information is available from the Bar Council Press Office - contact [email protected] or 020 7611 1399