Action plan for implementing the Harman report

Following publication of the report of the independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, we’ve set out our plans to implement Baroness Harman’s 36 recommendations.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for the Bar to change its culture – and for all of us that change starts now.”
– Barbara Mills KC, Bar Council Chair 2025

Read a summary of the recommendations

Our action plan is set out under 6 workstreams:

1. Appointment of a new Commissioner for Conduct and establishing the Commissioner’s Office at the Bar Council

  • Dame Maria Miller, our Commissioner for Conduct was appointed in January 2026.

2. Working with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Services (BTAS)

  • A protocol was agreed with the BSB on 15 June 2026 to support reporting of serious misconduct
  • We have established a steering group with the BSB to discuss implementation of Harman recommendations between Regultor and Representaive bodies, the Commissioner sits on this Steering Group

3. Working with the judiciary and the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO)

4. Working with the Inns and the Council of the Inns of Court (COIC)

  • We participated on a working group established by the Inns to bring codes of Conduct and anti-harassment policies into line with Harman Review recomendations, this work is now underway at each Inn
  • We have agreed a safeguarding policy to enable the Commissioner to share information for safeguarding purposes

5. Supporting barristers and chambers with guides, resources and training

  • We have updated and delivered anti-harassment training and managing a complaint training to chambers and barristers 
  • We have developed on demand anti-harassment training for barristers 
  • The Commissioner has consolidated all anti harassment and bullying advice and policy templates into one document and developed new content on sanctions for constitutions and safeguarding work experience and mini pupils
  • We have upgraded Talk to Spot and provided information on what happens when you make a report via the platform

6. Communications: updating the Bar and stakeholders on progress

  • We have emailed members of the Bar, Heads of Chambers and Equality & Diversity Officers directly outlining developments, sharing new guidance etc. 
  • The Commissioner has published regular blogs 
  • Bar Council website pages have been regularly updated with the latest information.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please contact us via [email protected]