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Tackling bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
| Purpose: | To assist barristers and chambers in addressing bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar |
|---|---|
| Scope of application: | All barristers and chambers |
| Issued by: | The Bar Council |
| First reviewed: | 23/06/2026 |
| Status and effect: | Please see the notice at end of this page. This is not "guidance" for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4. |
This page provides guidance and practical resources to help chambers and barristers prevent and respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. It includes policy and advice developed by the Commissioner for Conduct to support compliance with legal and regulatory duties, promote a safe working culture and implement the recommendations from Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent review.
Taking action post Harman – a quick guide for chambers
Use our quick guide to identify the steps you need to take following Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.
Bullying and Harassment: A toolkit for chambers (with policy templates)
We’ve created a toolkit that includes detailed information on how to take the actions we recommend. This toolkit is designed to help chambers improve their governance, procedure and processes which relate to issues of sexual harassment and bullying. It includes policy templates for all areas covered.
Below please find word versions of the policy templates in the toolkit that you can download and adapt for chambers use.
Template: Anti-bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment policy for chambers
Template: Grievance procedure for members
Template Disciplinary procedure for members
Template: Model clauses for chambers’ constitutions
Template: Risk Assessment checklist
Template: Work experience (with chambers clerks and staff) policy template
Template: Chambers’ mini pupillage policy template
Template: Chambers’ mini pupillage and work experience registration form
Important Notice
This document has been prepared by the Bar Council to assist barristers on matters of professional conduct and ethics. It is not “guidance” for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4, and neither the BSB nor a disciplinary tribunal nor the Legal Ombudsman is bound by any views or advice expressed in it. It does not comprise – and cannot be relied on as giving – legal advice. It has been prepared in good faith, but neither the Bar Council nor any of the individuals responsible for or involved in its preparation accept any responsibility or liability for anything done in reliance on it. For fuller information as to the status and effect of this document, please see here.