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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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Quadrant Chambers
This case study may be useful if you are looking for examples of promoting wellbeing initiatives.
Implementation of weekly expert‐led yoga sessions for members, pupils & staff.
While developing a Wellbeing Policy they felt that they should not wait to start implementation and started this project.
What was the business (other case) for action?
The commercial Bar is a fast‐paced and potentially stressful environment and so Chambers wanted to offer members, pupils & staff an opportunity to de‐stress. There was no financial motivation to this project – the sole intention was to make the first in a series of offers to members and staff that might help them deal with the stresses of the lifestyle. Staff were included from the first in recognition of the team approach in Chambers.
What did the Chambers do?
It was agreed to offer weekly yoga sessions one lunchtime per week. They are provided by an expert instructor and take place in Quadrant Chambers library.
What were the results?
Take‐up is quite variable depending on the workloads of members and staff. Those taking part have become advocates for the programme.
“Quadrant have started on their wellbeing journey by introducing yoga for members, pupils and staff. It is good to see staff are involved from the outset and becoming advocates for the programme. Quadrant have a clear intention to develop their wellbeing strategy further including developing a policy. We look forward to seeing what they do next.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
Tips
- Recognise the independence of members, it is important to offer a range of options – and so Quadrant will be developing the programme beyond this initial start.
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