The LSB published a new statutory statement of policy on ongoing competence last week, setting out outcomes that regulators should meet. This followed a call for evidence in 2020 and a consultation in March 2022. Regulators will need to set new measures to ensure standards are maintained, and must update the LSB on progress by January and have implemented measures by January 2024.
However, Bar Council chair Mark Fenhalls QC said: ‘The evidence, for example from the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund, suggests standards are generally high at the Bar.
‘Once again, we are concerned that this statement is an example of the LSB overstepping its remit as an oversight regulator when it ought to be concentrating on the performance of first-tier regulators in delivering their core activities.’
