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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.
In April 2018, St Philips formed a Wellbeing Committee in Chambers to: (a) further the interests of barristers, clerks and non-clerking staff members in respect of their physical, mental and emotional health; (b) to promote opportunities for their personal and professional development; and to (c) promote the cohesion and wellbeing of chambers.
In the modern Chambers environment, managing wellbeing is non-negotiable. We identified that the issue of wellbeing needed a clear and cohesive strategy be effective – it needed planning, budgeting, participation at all levels, and buy-in from the leadership. On that basis a Wellbeing Committee was formed, which currently includes 4 barristers, 2 members of the clerking team and a member of the administration team.
What was the business (other case) for action?
The Wellbeing Committee identified four key needs which it felt required attention for them to continue to move forward as a successful, modern set of Chambers, with barrister and staff welfare at the forefront of its strategy.
The need for a purpose and identity, which every business needs, but which had become particularly acute after two mergers and the acquisition of two sites away from the Birmingham hub. The camaraderie for which chambers had locally become famous needed reinforcing as it was in danger of dilution by the spreading of chambers’ net to London and Leeds.
What did the Chambers do?
St Philips is also:
What were the results?
Although in its infancy, the response to the newly established Wellbeing Committee and its activities has been nothing but positive. It has given barristers and staff the opportunity and platform to voice their opinions and we are now finding that Chambers is already working in a more cohesive way to continually improve its operation.
“St Philips has a well-considered approach to wellbeing, establishing a committee with senior level buy-in to drive forward initiatives and maintain focus. We particularly impressed with links made to a local charity that provides chaplaincy and listening services for barristers or staff.”
Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group
Tips
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