Welcome to your June wellbeing spotlight

Each month we’ll put a spotlight on wellbeing news, thoughts, events and support from across the Bar and further afield:

Spotlight – Find out more about reflective practice ahead of the Bar Council’s second Balint pilot

This month’s wellbeing spotlight is a bumper Balint edition as preparation for the Bar Council’s second pilot group gets underway.

Below you’ll find a piece from Counsel Magazine, where Active Wellbeing Working Group (AWWG) member Emma Cross reports back on the findings from the first pilot.

Marion Baker and Suzanne Jacobs, the practitioners behind Balint, are hosting an introductory event next month to answer your questions ahead of the second pilot.

They’ve written a blog discussing the first pilot’s “striking” results and how reflective practice can be a massive help for barristers and legal professionals.

Marion Baker (left) and Suzanne Jacobs (right)

News

Reporting duty removed for bullying victims seeking support or guidance

Alleged victims of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment and their confidantes will not be under an obligation to report the behaviour under a new protocol agreed by the Bar Standards Board and Bar Council.

The move, which was recommended by Baroness Harman in her independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the bar, aims to improve how alleged victims can get support and assistance. They and their ‘confidante’ will not be obliged to make reports when they experience unacceptable behaviour.

Evans to take the reins at LawCare

Current Law Society president Mark Evans is to become chief executive of LawCare in November, the mental health charity announced today. He will succeed Trish McLellan, LawCare’s director of engagement, who becomes interim chief executive from 1 July, taking over from Elizabeth Rimmer.

Women in law ‘quietly suffering from exhaustion’

Women in law frequently suffer from exhaustion but stay silent at work for fear their career will suffer, according to a new report on the challenges they face.

Some 533 legal professionals were surveyed: 70% experienced ongoing exhaustion or low energy; 65% of those experiencing exhaustion did not feel comfortable raising their concerns at work; 43% did not feel they could openly discuss their health and wellbeing concerns at work without negative ramifications. Furthermore, 85% experienced health and wellbeing issues that affected their work in the past five years, 50% thought their current working pattern was unsustainable for their long-term health and 67% have considered quitting.

Thoughts

• • Emma Cross, member of the Bar Council’s Active Wellbeing Working Group (AWWG), discusses the results of the first Balint reflective practice pilot in Counsel Magazine
  • Nick Gallagher, CEO of The Solicitors’ Charity, is joined by Richard Martin, CEO of the Mindful Business Charter, to explore burnout, pressure, and the realities of “always on” culture within the legal profession in The Legal Pause podcast
  • Satpal Kaur-Thompson, director and trainer at Lawsight Ltd, discusses why wellbeing in law firms is a performance risk, not just a people issue, in Chronicle Law
  • Law Gazette debates whether the use of AI in the legal profession could be a remedy to improve mental health or increase the risk of further burnout
  • Wellbeing consultant Annette Henry KC explores the root causes of toxic behaviour, its warning signs, and the tools to change course in Counsel Magazine

Events

Balint Legal introduction session – Thursday 2 July

In advance of our second Balint group pilot starting this September, Balint Legal will be delivering an online introductory session to explain the Balint methodology for members of the Bar who are interested in learning more about groups and participating in the next pilot.

Support 

• BRF subscribers can access 24/7 GP access for them and their families – Find out how to sign up to DoctorLine
• Assistance Programme – Wellbeing at the Bar
• NHS Mental Health
• More details on helplines and support available for the Bar

Got a wellbeing event coming up? Want to share your story? Contact us