We know reporting a concern can feel daunting, so here are answers to common questions.
You will be asked for basic information and details about your concern.
It helps if you gather your supporting documents and evidence before you start, as we will require these to understand the assessment.
No. You only need to set out the facts clearly. You do not need legal language or use references to the BSB Handbook.
Upload any key documents that support your concern, such as emails or letters.
You do not need to upload everything from your legal case; if we need more, we will ask.
You can complete the Word version and send it by email to [email protected] or by post to: The Bar Standards Board, 289-293 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7HZ.
If you need reasonable adjustments because of a disability, health or mental health condition, complete our Reasonable Adjustments Request Form so we can support you.
Don't worry, and take your time. You can save the form and return to it later.
If the person making the report was not personally identified and targeted in the social media post:
- The report will be treated as intelligence only.
- It will still be assessed, but the person who submitted it will not receive an update or a decision, and they will not have a right of review.
If the person making the report was personally identified and targeted:
- We will follow our usual assessment process.
- The reporter will receive an update on our decision.
If you need reasonable adjustments because of a disability, health or mental health condition, complete our Reasonable Adjustments Request Form so we can support you.
We explain our approach in our Confidentiality and Anonymity Policy.
We will try to respect requests for anonymity where there is a good reason. Any requests should be made in writing, and it will be considered in line with our policies.
If you received advice or representation from an unregistered barrister, you can report the matter directly to us.
Unregistered barristers must not call themselves barristers when providing legal services.
While the Barristers’ Register shows details of all barristers who are authorised to practise currently, it might be that a barrister you are concerned about stopped practising after the date when the conduct you are concerned about occurred. If this has happened, their name will not appear on the Barristers’ Register unless they already have a published disciplinary finding.
We do not regulate universities or colleges offering Law degrees. You must follow their internal complaints process first.
If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may be able to contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.
We can look into concerns about chambers or organisations that deliver vocational or workâbased training for barristers.
We normally disclose the contents of reports to the barrister or chambers involved. This usually includes your name, but we will redact your contact details.
If you have a specific reason why more information should be redacted, tell us in writing.
We explain our approach in our Confidentiality and Anonymity Policy.
You can call us on 020 7611 1444 or email us at [email protected]
