Joint Bar Council and Bar Standards Board group formed to drive Harman report reforms
updated on 01 December 2025
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The Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) have set up a steering group to address bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar and implement the recommendations of the Harman report. The Harman report was an independent review by Baroness Harman KC, which sets out 36 recommendations for crucial change.
The joint group will develop a protocol for reporting inappropriate behaviour once the commissioner for conduct is appointed, and will ensure “ongoing dialogue and information sharing” as recommendations are implemented. Members of the group will include board members, the chairs of the Bar Council and BSB, senior barristers and staff representatives from both organisations.
The Bar Council’s guide for chambers suggested seven key actions, including:
- checking anti-harassment policies;
- ensuring anti-harassment and bullying training is refreshed by all;
- ensuring all members and chambers’ staff know behaviour expectations and how to make a complaint;
- putting in place appropriate measures to protect students, mini-pupils and pupils;
- agreeing on a victim-centred process for managing complaints;
- checking that constitutions allow for appropriate sanctions; and
- keeping members informed of risks to ensure they’re taking steps to mitigate them.
Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC, said: “Implementing Baroness Harman’s recommendations requires everyone to work together, across the Bar and judiciary. Our joint steering group with the BSB will help us to navigate the regulatory aspects of the Harman report and make sure any proposed changes are workable.”
Chair of the BSB, Professor Chris Bones, emphasised: “We’re committed to collaborating with the Bar Council and others to coordinate ways forward both together and as an independent regulator with the recommendations made in the Harman report. Whilst we must make independent regulatory decisions, it is important for us to understand different perspectives, viewpoints and opportunities and this collaboration is something we commit to.”
