The Bar Council is launching a programme of initiatives to improve wellbeing at the Bar after an anonymous survey showed 300 to 350 individuals out of nearly 2,500 barristers who replied were showing signs of emotional exhaustion.
It will extend its Bar Mentoring Service beyond silk and judicial appointment to provide support and mentoring for barristers regardless of life stage or need. It is setting up a working group to identify good practice and help bring about long-term culture change.
It will produce guidance for heads of chambers and clerks on spotting early signs of stress, is developing educational resources for new practitioners and pupil supervisors, and is working with organisations such as LawCare to improve support within the profession.
Alistair MacDonald QC, chair of the Bar, says the high levels of stress uncovered are a “major concern”.
