Wellbeing news and events
Here you can find current news and events related to wellbeing in the profession.
Please get in touch if you would like to submit an article to be published or information about an event.
Certificate of Recognition
The Bar Council has introduced a Certificate of Recognition as a means of acknowledging the huge efforts made across the profession to support the wellbeing of barristers, clerks and chambers’ staff.
In the first round, 29 certificates were awarded at the Annual Bar Conference 2017 for a wide range of activities. Whilst many chambers, SBAs and Inns have introduced new policies, governance arrangements and a wide range of initiatives, we also acknowledge others who are just starting out with something simple like a yoga or mindfulness class.
“We have been delighted by the response to the wellbeing certificate initiative and – judging by the applications – the efforts of so many across the Bar to promote resilience and wellbeing. Congratulations to all the recipients. We will be publishing case studies from our recipients on the Wellbeing at the Bar website over the next few weeks. Do take the time to look at them. The ideas, impact on chambers and tips from others at the Bar will provide both inspiration and rich pickings for anyone interested in setting something up in their own organisation.”
Rachel Spearing, Chair of Wellbeing at the Bar
Just to provide a flavour of the wide range of initiatives introduced across the Bar:
- Active Listening training
- Dragon Boat racing
- Re-introducing chambers tea as way of getting together to support each other
- Yoga
- Massage
- Mentoring programmes and training
- Volunteering
- Mental Health and Resilience Training
- Checklists for clerks on supporting barristers
- Appointing wellbeing officers
- Signing up to initiatives like MIND’s Workplace Wellbeing Index or Local Government charters
- Wellbeing surveys
Click here to see who got a Certificate:
The intention is to make this a quarterly initiative and so the next round of applications is now open and will close on 1 May 2018.
If your organisation can demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing through a policy, programme or initiative, and would like to apply for a Certificate of Recognition, please download an application form here and submit it to SMercer@BarCouncil.org.uk.
Further information regarding the rules for entry can be found here.
Upcoming Events
Lincoln’s Inn Social & Wellbeing Group and the South Eastern Circuit –a joint wellbeing event for the Bar and judiciary (11 April 2018, 18:00)
London Young Lawyers Group and London Young Professionals’ Network – Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace (12 April 2018, 19:00)
Middle Temple – Survive and Thrive: How to feel like you have it all without doing it all (24 April 2018, 17:30)
Bar Council – Wellbeing at the Bar at 7 Harrington Street Chambers (26 April 2018, 17:00)
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 is the Wellbeing at the Bar (WATB) Programme’s Policy that we are willing to advertise Stakeholders’ Wellbeing events, but not to advertise the goods, services or events of third parties.
The Bar Council, individual stakeholders in the WATB Programme, and the WATB Working Group membership, welcome comments and ideas from those wishing to work with us to improve Wellbeing at the Bar.
2 in 3 barristers feel that showing signs of stress equals weakness