7 Harrington Street Chambers (Liverpool), Thursday 26 April 2018, 5.00-6.30pm
The Bar is a high pressure, high performance profession where both barristers and their staff have traditionally been wary about sharing their wellbeing challenges.
Over the last four years the Bar Council has been working closely with the Inns of Court, Circuits, the IBC and Special Bar Associations to develop a range of resources for barristers, clerks and chambers to improve advice and support.
These resources are designed to help barristers maintain their own wellbeing and to assist chambers in supporting members as and when difficulties arise.
Included within the resources are:
- Information for barristers and staff about wellbeing issues e.g. stress, addictions, vicarious trauma etc.; also bereavement, supporting those who might be suicidal, and managing an ongoing mental health issue.
- Personal stories from successful barristers to normalise and encourage disclosure;
- Management resources to enable chambers to support individuals and encourage healthy workplace practice;
In a session designed to provide practical support and advice, Sam Mercer (Head of Policy at BC) will outline what other chambers, the Inns and specialist bar associations are already doing on this agenda and the benefits they have secured from their approach. She will also share tips and advice for those interested in progressing this agenda.
Who should attend:
- Heads of Chambers and those with a management responsibility in chambers
- Clerks and Practice Managers
- Equality & Diversity Officers
- Any barrister with an interest in wellbeing issues
What you will learn:
- What support is available to you and your colleagues
- How to easily access resources (such as policies and other support) to help you implement a wellbeing strategy in chambers (avoiding the pitfalls)