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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.
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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Richmond Chambers
This case study may be useful if you are looking for examples of developing a wellbeing policy, increasing awareness of wellbeing, developing resilience training schemes and/or promoting wellbeing initiatives.
Richmond Chambers has put in place a range of formal measures to support wellbeing in chambers, including appointment of a wellbeing officer and adoption of a formal policy. Formalising its approach was particularly important as its team was rapidly expanding. Of note, chambers also undertook a formal stress risk assessment to help determine priorities.
Chambers wanted to encourage more open discussion about wellbeing within the workplace and identified how important it was to raise awareness of wellbeing in a fast paced, and at times highly stressful environment. They wanted to encourage their members to feel confident when discussing any wellbeing issues that they were concerned about, not only with senior management, but also with each other.
What was the business (other case) for action?
Chambers recognises that aside from individual benefits, a healthy and happy workplace also impacts on Chambers productivity, and its reputation as a good employer.
What did the Chambers do?
Chambers:
- Undertook a full stress risk assessment in accordance with HSE guidelines;
- Implemented a wellbeing policy;
- Appointed a wellbeing officer;
- Invited all barrister members to attend the ILPA’s ‘wellbeing for immigration lawyers’ course, which promotes good mental health and wellbeing across the legal community;
- Encouraged flexible working, working from home days and sabbaticals for barristers, all of which contribute to a healthy work/life balance; and
- Introduced a ‘staff treats’ employee benefit portal which has a wellbeing section offering discounted gym membership, sports equipment and spa days.
“Richmond Chambers have undergone a formal HSE Stress Risk assessment and it is really good to see such a thorough approach to developing their strategy and to focussing wellbeing work where it will have the greatest impact.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
What were the results?
Wellbeing activity has:
- Led to increased levels of awareness around wellbeing and how important it is in the workplace;
- Encouraged members to feel confident to discuss wellbeing and how it could be improved;
- Ensured chambers is regarded as a healthier and happier place to work; and
- Improved employee retention.
Tips
- Make wellbeing a positive topic of conversation in the workplace.
- Put formal measures in place as this will help your members to feel as though they can be open when discussing wellbeing.
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.
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