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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.
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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.
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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 developing resilience training schemes and/or promoting wellbeing initiatives.
Friendship and mutual support are at the heart of Henderson Chambers’ ethos. Members value above all the camaraderie that has existed for many years.
This is evidenced by the fact that, as a set, it can demonstrate high levels of retention. Their Chief Clerk has been with them for over 40 years (he has been Chief Clerk for 27 of them). Several members of staff have been with them for over 10 years, and 8 of the 12 silks in Chambers started out their careers as pupils at Henderson Chambers.
The reason for this is that members look out for each other and people feel supported, not just in their professional goals, but also with their personal needs and wellbeing.
In recent years, Chambers has focussed on what it can do to preserve and enhance the supportive environment which is so valued.
It is with these factors in mind that Chambers has developed several formal and informal policies and schemes with the specific aim of supporting staff, pupils and members through any difficulties that they may face in their professional life.
This case study lists those policies and schemes, the situations in which they have been used and the positive impact that has had on the people involved.
What was the business (other case) for action?
Chambers has introduced these formal policies and schemes to ensure that all members and staff are able to connect to the system of support at the heart of Chambers life.
Chambers recognises that, beyond professional development opportunities, an essential part of a good working environment is one where people feel supported and that their personal issues, and wellbeing, matter.
Their practices, policies and schemes have enabled them to support many individuals through some very challenging personal times. Quite apart from that, there is a clear financial benefit to Chambers in doing so. It has helped with retention as members and staff feel a sense of loyalty to Chambers as a result. Additionally, early intervention has likely helped to reduce the amount of sickness absence due to stress-related illness.
What did the Chambers do?
Henderson Chambers has developed the following formal policies and schemes aimed at fostering a supportive working environment for all:
What were the results?
As a result, pupils, staff and members were supported through the following situations:
“Henderson Chambers deserves recognition for its focus on pupil and new tenant wellbeing (including financial support and investing in mentoring) and its general approach to members’ wellbeing, including the provision of counselling and flexible work arrangements/return to work support. We particularly like its ethos – that members look out for each other.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
Tips
Do
• Friendship, shared values and a culture of mutual support are key.
• Confidentiality. Given that open communication is at the heart of what Henderson Chambers does to ensure the wellbeing of staff, pupils and members it is essential that all matters are handled in absolute confidence.
• Engage key stakeholders e.g. Head of Chambers, Pupil Masters, senior staff and key clients (where appropriate).
• Ensure open communication.
• Where there are health concerns be realistic about what can be achieved on phased return to work.
• Set agreeable, realistic & achievable objectives.
Don’t
• Assume that there are no wellbeing issues just because they have not been specifically raised.
• Ignore wellbeing issues raised by staff, pupils and members.
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