Tackling Bullying, Harassment and Inappropriate Behaviours at the Bar
On Tuesday 23 April we invite you to attend an evening of discussions on ‘Tackling Bullying, Harassment and Inappropriate behaviours at the Bar’. The speaker will be Sam Mercer, Head of Diversity & Inclusion and CSR (The Bar Council).
In December 2023, the Bar Council published new data showing increasing numbers of barristers have had their professional lives made more difficult because of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour at the Bar.
The behaviours reported are observed across the profession and involve judges, barristers, chambers’ staff, solicitors, as well as court staff. Inappropriate behaviour at the Bar can include pejorative or demeaning language, intimidating or bullying behaviour, unwanted attention, unwanted physical contact, sexual harassment and serious abuse, inappropriate comments, online abuse, or sexist, racist and ableist behaviours.
In response to the findings, the Bar Council has committed to address inappropriate and abusive behaviour by commissioning a review, established by spring 2024 and to report by spring 2025, that will consider and identify solutions, specifically to identify prevention and mitigating strategies. The discussion will provide some background to this review and will outline what support is already in place for any pupil or barristers facing inappropriate behaviours.
Talk: 18:00
Q&A: 18:45
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Booking: Please book via Ticket Tailor
Sam Mercer joined The Bar Council in June 2013 and is responsible for the design and delivery of equality, diversity, and inclusion support for the profession. This includes equality and diversity training and good practice guidance, as well as the provision of direct advice and support to chambers and individuals. Sam has been responsible for a number of high-profile programmes, including Wellbeing at the Bar and co-authored the Race Report (2021).
Please note this is a free event but booking is essential.
This event is not a qualifying session.
Please contact the Member Engagement Team if you have any questions.