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Setting the Bar for CPD

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27 January 2017 / Vanessa Davies
Issue: 7731 / Categories: Features , Training & education , Profession
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Vanessa Davies explains why the new CPD scheme for established barristers is changing this year

“As with any other profession, the Bar must deliver, and be seen to be delivering, the best service to its clients and only the continual refreshing of skills and knowledge can achieve this.”

While I have been visiting circuits around the country to explain the new CPD scheme, I have begun my presentations with that quotation from Alastair Hodge from 5 Essex Court, writing in the Inner Temple 2016/17 Yearbook. Like Alastair, I firmly believe that CPD matters.

Updating knowledge & skills

A commitment to the constant updating of knowledge and skills is the hallmark of being a professional—doctors and engineers, for example, are all committed to CPD. Professional development is part of the “contract” we have with the public: we collectively warrant that we are on top of our game, in return for being seen as professionals.

The BSB has a statutory responsibility to assure the public, independently, that they can rely on barristers as being

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