I need help
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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Crown Chambers
Established in June 2020, Crown Chambers have worked to establish an environment in which their rapidly growing team are able to thrive both professionally and personally. Setting up mid-pandemic they knew they needed to create a positive culture for their new team (of 23) in difficult circumstances
What did Chambers do?
Policy.
Chambers has established a wellbeing policy. In their policy they commit to:
- giving employees information on, and increasing awareness of, mental wellbeing;
- giving open and available support to individual staff, pupils and barristers;
- including information about their mental health policy in induction sessions;
- providing opportunities for staff, pupils and barristers to look after their mental wellbeing;
- offering staff flexible working arrangements to encourage barristers and pupils to have a good work-life balance;
- managing conflict effectively and ensuring the workplace is free from bullying and harassment, discrimination and racism;
- establishing good two-way communication to ensure staff involvement, particularly during periods of organisational change.
Mental Health Training.
Chambers has trained their senior clerk in mental health and has subsequently made them Chambers’ Wellbeing Champion.
Other Support.
- Chambers worked hard throughout the Pandemic to keep everyone abreast of events and to recognise their efforts. Members and staff were provided with personalised and branded Christmas hampers and Easter gifts to boost morale and support inclusion whilst working remotely.
- Chambers operates an ‘open door’ policy for all of the team who are able to bring and discuss all and any issues (both work and non-work related) with anyone in Chambers with the promise of a supportive/empathic approach.
- Pupils are provided with a legal and wellbeing mentor and coach to supports their mental and emotional wellbeing and integration into chambers
What were the results?
The team (members, staff and pupils) are highly motivated and engaged and chambers believes it has established a platform where everyone can thrive both in and outside of work.
‘‘It is great to see Crown Chambers putting wellbeing front and centre from the beginning – established only in the last 12 months, Crown Chambers has set out its stall with a clear wellbeing policy that outlines its commitment to the mental health of members and staff, backed up by a newly appointed Wellbeing Champion on the staff team’’.
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
Tips
Do
- Have regular/weekly contact with individuals to support their emotional wellbeing, in addition to a feeling of belonging and self-worth.
- Provide emotional support to allow you to support others.
Don’t
- Forget to communicate. In a digital age, communication is fundamental to a team’s wellbeing and growth.
- Assume staff are “ok” because they don’t appear stressed or in need of support.
- Rely on social media alone to create and maintain relationships.
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