We value diversity and are committed to promoting this both in Chambers and generally by seeking to ensure all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect and recognising and encouraging individual contributions to Chambers.
Chambers aims to ensure our barristers, pupils, clerks and staff achieve their full potential and all decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria. It has adopted a range of equality and diversity policies to help achieve these goals.
Diversity Data
Members of the practising self-employed bar are regulated by the Bar Standards Board whose code of conduct is contained in the Bar Handbook. Under the Code of Conduct each Chambers is required to appoint a chambers’ Diversity Data Officer. Chambers’ Diversity data Officer is barrister Amy Kelly.
The Diversity Data Officer is responsible for implementing the rules relating to the collection and processing of Diversity Data, and for demonstrating compliance by providing the BSB with any documents or information reasonably requested for that purpose.
Provision of diversity data is an entirely voluntary process by members of Chambers and Chambers carries out collection on a three year cycle.
Chambers has produced data to provide an overall picture of Chambers’ diversity characteristics of both KCs, tenants and pupils and clerking and administrative staff.
Due to the small size of Chambers in both membership and staff, it has not been possible to provide a detailed breakdown of diversity data in respect of reference to job title and seniority of the workforce because it may lead to the identification of individuals.
Chambers is permitted to exclude diversity data in relation to any characteristic where there is a real risk that individuals could be identified, unless all individuals consent.
However, to provide meaningful data, some data characteristics have been presented in accordance with call (KCs and tenants over 10 years, and pupils and tenants under 10 years) and with separate data for all staff where appropriate.
Chambers is extremely proud of its current diversity and is committed increasing diversity and to promoting access to the profession. We therefore encourage and particularly welcome applications for mini pupillage, pupillage, tenancies and staffing positions from those who have historically been under-represented at the Bar.
Snap shot of diversity data as at Summer 2023
Sex and Gender Identity
58% of members of chambers are male 42% are female.
83 % said their gender identity/expression was the same as their birth sex, 12% had no belief in gender identity and 12% preferred not to say.
Ethnic groups
80% of members of chambers are white and 20% are of ethnic minority
Age
50% of chambers under the age of 45 and 50% are 45 years or older
Disability and limitation
25% of members of chambers confirmed they were disabled or had a health condition or disability that limited their day to day activities a little. 4% preferred not to say.
Religion
62% of members of chambers have no religion or belief, 29% are Christian (all denominations), 4% are Sikh, 4% preferred not to say .
Sexual orientation
83% of members of chambers are heterosexual, 8% preferred not to say 4% are gay and 4% are bisexual
Education
54% of members of chambers were the first generation of their families to attend university, 37% were not the first, 4% did not attend university and 8% preferred not to say. 46% were mainly state school educated, 46% mainly fee/independent school educated and 8% declined to respond.
Caring responsibilities
46% of members of chambers are the primary carer for children, 54% are not the primary carer. 25% have caring responsibilities for persons other than children.
