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Barristers inherently face very specific challenges on a daily basis. If you need some help click on support to find contact details and advice on seeking support.
The professional lives of clerks and chambers’ staff include many potential stressors. If you don’t know how to broach an issue, want advice on your options.
These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
Resources
Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.
Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.
Support
Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.
Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.
Support for students and pupils
Who to talk to and how to get help for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.
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This case study may be useful if you are looking for examples of increasing awareness of wellbeing, developing resilience training schemes and/or promoting wellbeing initiatives.
20 Essex Street has introduced a range of initiatives which support practice development through training as well as a range of eye catching initiatives like rooftop yoga and Pilates at your desk. Dedicated member and committee support is now being put in place to give oversight of their wellbeing programme.
What was the business (other case) for action?
By introducing wellbeing initiatives 20 Essex Street aims to improve internal workplace satisfaction and reduce absence. They believe this will lead to increased work output in terms of volume and quality.
They also believe wellbeing supports a positive external perception of Chambers and has the potential to attract work and members/staff.
What did the Chambers do?
Governance & Policy approach
20 Essex Street has created a Chambers’ Wellbeing Statement of Intent, this is a short statement of principles, with links to well-established policies which support members and staff wellbeing.
Wellbeing is currently overseen by the Equality & Diversity Committee which has appointed two welfare officers.
This approach is intended as a precursor to a longer policy backed by a more formal wellbeing committee structure and appointment process for welfare officers.
Mentoring
Chambers also has in place a mentoring scheme for Members of Chambers.
Employee Assistance Programme
All arbitrators, barristers and staff have been enrolled on the Health Assured EAP scheme for helpline support.
Other wellbeing related initiatives:
Providing weekly Thursday evening drinks and chambers morning tea (every term) to encourage members to get together.
“20 Essex Street has introduced a great range of initiatives which include access to counselling and a helpline (via an EAP), professional development as well as roof top yoga and Pilates at your desk! Good to see plans are in place to further develop policy and governance of the programme in chambers.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
What were the results?
Tips
Don’t:
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The information and resource packs on this website are designed to help you and your colleagues to work as a community for better wellbeing and professional resilience. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing please get in touch.
It can be difficult to make a living from law and it can be pressurised and demanding. Competition and an adversarial approach to everything can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage these stressors, make emotionally informed, wise professional decisions and thrive in your chosen profession.
A simple expression that sums up wellbeing is ‘travelling well’
Psychological wellbeing within the profession is rarely spoken about