Bar Standard Boards recognises vital role of Inns ahead of new Bar training
updated on 29 March 2019
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Inns of Court to recognise the “vital” role played by the Inns for aspiring barristers.
There were fears that the BSB had originally planned to overthrow the influence of the four Inns in its proposed training overhaul, but in a U-turn this week it praised the Inns’ role in preparing students for the realities of a career at the Bar.
The chair of the BSB, Baroness Blackstone said, “The Inns will continue to have a unique role in the training of barristers in maintaining high standards and building a community of practice. They also play an essential part in encouraging the development of a more diverse profession.”
The new Bar qualification rules will go live next week on 1 April. The new rules, which were approved last month by the Legal Services Board, are designed to ensure that training to become a barrister is more accessible, affordable and flexible whilst maintaining the high standards of entry expected at the Bar.
The BSB today published its strategic plan for 2019-2022 which sets out its regulatory priorities for the next few years, including encouraging a strong and diverse profession, and advancing access to justice in a changing market.
