Our research and analysis is organised by key theme in the menu below.
To find an exhaustive list of all of our research and analysis, organised by publication date, please visit our research and analysis archive.
Regulatory Action Diversity Analysis Report (2025)
In March 2025 we published research analysing the outcomes of reports regarding barrister conduct received and processed1 by us. By reports, we mean concerns about the conduct of a barrister that are reported to us. This research details how likely barristers are to be subject to a report, with a particular focus on the characteristics of ethnicity and gender.
Report on Diversity at the Bar (Annual, 2024)
Published in January 2025. Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales. Historic versions of the report, dating to 2015, are available online.
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB (Annual, 2024)
Published in January 2025. Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB. Historic versions of the report, dating to 2014, are available online.
Pupillage recruitment research (2024)
Two reports (and two research summaries) on pupillage recruitment at the Bar. The objective of this research was to strengthen our evidence base around pupillage recruitment to inform the development of the BSB’s policies, including our forthcoming consultation on the Equality Rules.
Income at the Bar by Gender and Ethnicity (2022)
In February 2022 we published a report Income at the Bar by gender and ethnicity.
Differential outcomes on the Bar Professional Training Course - 2014-2020 (2022)
In July 2022 we published a report into Differential outcomes on the Bar Professional Training Course between 2014-2020. We have also published a research summary and a document entitled Differential Outcomes Research – Ongoing and proposed work addressing the issues found. There is also a spreadsheet containing summaries of the regression models developed for the research.
Vocational Training Providers – Equality and Diversity Policies and Practices (2022)
In August 2022 we published a Report looking at Bar training providers’ approaches to equality and diversity. We also worked with YouGov to publish a Report on students’ experiences on Bar training courses. See also the Research Summary and the Technical Report.
Trends in Retention and Demographics at the Bar: 1990–2020 (2021)
In July 2021, we published new research showing trends in retention and demographics at the Bar between 1990 and 2020. The report shows that, overall, retention at the Bar appears to have improved substantially on several measures, and the proportion of the Bar leaving practice and/or having time away from practice has not increased over the time period analysed. Although retention does appear to have improved, the research reveals a consistent trend of female barristers leaving practice indefinitely after the early stages of their career in greater proportions than male barristers.
Bullying, Discrimination, and Harassment at the Bar (2020)
Published in October 2020, this qualitative study undertaken by YouGov explored experiences of bullying, discrimination and harassment at the Bar, and what can be done to address these issues.
Women at the Bar: Research exploring solutions to promote gender equality (2018)
Published in May 2018. A report exploring solutions to promote gender equality. The BSB announced how it intends to work with the profession to make further progress in eliminating the discrimination, harassment and other unfair treatment of female barristers.
In December 2017 the BSB published two new pieces of research that are intended to provide a qualitative and quantitative evidence base to inform the current decision-making about the future training of barristers. The two reports, which are published with a covering statement from the BSB, offer important insights into current issues in the education and training system for qualification as a barrister.
A July 2016 report on women's experiences at the Bar. The women, at the time of being surveyed, held a current practising certificate. The BSB asked them about how the equality rules were working, since being implemented in 2012.
Complaints at the Bar: An analysis of ethnicity and gender (2016)
Published in January 2016 - A statistical report which analyses three years of data to investigate factors contributing to differences across gender and ethnicity in the numbers of complaints made, and the outcomes of complaints. The BSB has been monitoring these issues since 2007 but the report analyses the data in greater depth than previously.
Bar Training Reporting
We publish two reports on Bar Training, one concerning statistics by course provider, and one that focuses on enrolment, results and student progression overall. For historic bar training report, dating to 2015, please visit our archive.
Evaluation of the BSB's Bar Training Reforms (2023)
This report is based on surveys and interviews, and looks at how the Future Bar Training (FBT) reforms are being implemented. It gives an overview of training pathways and how they have been received, and also outlines how vocational training providers have changed their approach to delivering Bar training, including by adopting more online delivery, greater flexibility for students, and some providers offering a ‘two-step’ vocational training component.
Differential outcomes on the Bar Professional Training Course - 2014-2020 (2022)
In July 2022 we published a report into Differential outcomes on the Bar Professional Training Course between 2014-2020. We have also published a research summary and a document entitled Differential Outcomes Research – Ongoing and proposed work addressing the issues found. There is also a spreadsheet containing summaries of the regression models developed for the research.
Vocational Training Providers – Equality and Diversity Policies and Practices (2022)
In August 2022 we published a Report looking at Bar training providers’ approaches to equality and diversity. We also worked with YouGov to publish a Report on students’ experiences on Bar training courses. See also the Research Summary and the Technical Report.
Evaluation of the performance of the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) over time (2021)
The BCAT was introduced in 2012-13 as a mandatory test which must be passed prior to enrolment on the vocational stage of training for qualification as a barrister in England and Wales. The intended function of the BCAT is to act as a valid and reliable filter to enrolment on vocational training for qualification as a barrister. This is a report which we published in September 2021 detailing research into how well the BCAT is performing at its intended function following on from changes to the pass mark implemented in 2016.
In December 2017 the BSB published two new pieces of research that are intended to provide a qualitative and quantitative evidence base to inform the current decision-making about the future training of barristers. The two reports, which are published with a covering statement from the BSB, offer important insights into current issues in the education and training system for qualification as a barrister.
Coroner’s Court Competences and Toolkit - Evaluation report (2024)
An evaluation was carried out to determine the extent to which the competences for practitioners in the Coroners' Courts and the associated toolkit published in 2021 have met the overarching objectives of the initial project. Evaluation work looked at awareness of these resources at the Bar and among key stakeholders and whether they have contributed to improving standards in the Coroners’ Courts.
Judicial Perceptions of the Quality of Criminal Advocacy (2018)
Published in June 2018 by the BSB and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, this research explores the views of the judiciary on the current quality, provision and regulation of advocacy within the criminal court. The research was carried out by the Institute for Criminal Policy Research of Birkbeck, University of London, and involved in-depth interviews with 50 High Court and circuit judges. The findings suggested that while judges viewed the current quality of advocacy as competent, some felt that standards were declining in some areas, especially in relation to core courtroom skills such as case preparation and dealing with some witnesses.
Youth Proceedings Advocacy Review (2015)
Published in November 2015. Mixed methods research commissioned jointly by the BSB and Cilex Regulation highlights the damaging effects that poor advocacy has on access to justice for young and often very vulnerable offenders, and their perceptions of the system in general. Whilst recognising there were examples of good practice amongst advocates appearing in youth court proceedings, the overriding view of those who participated within the research was that standards of advocacy were not at the level that the public should expect.
Pupillage recruitment research (2024)
Two reports (and two research summaries) on pupillage recruitment at the Bar. The objective of this research was to strengthen our evidence base around pupillage recruitment to inform the development of the BSB’s policies, including our forthcoming consultation on the Equality Rules.
Review of Pupillage and Selection Criteria (2019)
Published in January 2019. Research undertaken by the BSB focusing on the recruitment and advertising of pupillages as part of the Future Bar Training (FBT) programme. The research consisted of a content analysis of advertisements on the pupillage recruitment portal (Pupillage Gateway), and an analysis of the selection criteria used by around 50 chambers in assessing the suitability of candidates who apply for pupillage with them. The research was undertaken with the aim of getting a better understanding of recruitment practices in the profession to help inform the FBT policy programme.
In December 2017 the BSB published two new pieces of research that are intended to provide a qualitative and quantitative evidence base to inform the current decision-making about the future training of barristers. The two reports, which are published with a covering statement from the BSB, offer important insights into current issues in the education and training system for qualification as a barrister.
The Bar - Public Awareness and Confidence - (2024)
In March 2024, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) commissioned Ipsos, a leading independent market research agency, to conduct a survey of a representative sample of British adults aged 16-75, along with a booster sample of 200 responses specifically for Wales. The aim of this survey was to improve our understanding of public awareness and confidence in the Bar and its regulation by the BSB and to seek to measure the effectiveness of our efforts to communicate and engage with the public. A total of 2047 responses to the survey were received.
Transparency Rules Evaluation – Impact on Consumers (2022)
In July 2022 we published a Report to explore the impact on legal consumers of the transparency rules that were first introduced in 2019, by looking at a number of key indicators relating to the objectives of the rules.
Consumers’ expectations and experience of working with barristers (2021)
In August 2021, we published research on consumers’ expectations and experience of working with barristers. As an evidence-based regulator acting to protect and promote the interests of consumers, this researched helped us to gain an up-to-date understanding of what consumers expect from barristers and the findings informed our work in many areas.
Consumer Behaviour and Attitudes towards Price and Service Transparency (2018)
Published in September 2018. Research commissioned by the BSB to explore how consumers make decisions when searching for barristers, and to test how consumers respond to different methods of presenting price and service information. The research was carried out by YouGov and London Economics and involved online focus groups with 22 members of the public who had used a barrister in the last two years, and an online behavioural experiment with a nationally representative sample of 1,316 participants.
Family Law Clients Research report (2017)
In July 2017 the BSB published the findings of its research with people who have used barristers' services during family legal proceedings. The findings show that most of those who took part in the research were positive about the service they received from their barrister.
Provision of legal services by barristers (2017)
Published in May 2017. The report contains the results of an online survey conducted in September and October 2016 with barristers about the future delivery of legal services. The survey found that while there are examples of "new and innovative" business models in the market, the prevailing business model for barristers is a traditional chambers.
Web sweep: transparency of online price information (2017)
A May 2017 report based on the findings of a web-sweep exercise which assessed how many websites of barristers' chambers published information about their prices. The findings inform a wider programme of work on price transparency in response to the recommendations of the Competition and Market Authority market study of legal services (2016).
Research into Client Care Letters (2016)
Published in November 2016. Research commissioned jointly by legal regulators and the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) shows that Client Care Letters are often not as effective as they should be in making sure that clients understand the work that is being carried out on their behalf, or in outlining what is required of them. The report identifies principles to help legal services providers better communicate with their clients. The research involved qualitative methods with recent and prospective users of legal services, including a series of mini-groups, face-to-face depth interviews and a workshop.
In April 2025 we published our Tech At the Bar Report. This research study captures how barristers and chambers adopt and use technology in their practice. The report highlights the challenges barristers face in adopting technology as well as the unique opportunities for innovation at the Bar.
Regulatory Action Diversity Analysis Report (2025)
In March 2025 we published research analysing the outcomes of reports regarding barrister conduct received and processed1 by us. By reports, we mean concerns about the conduct of a barrister that are reported to us. This research details how likely barristers are to be subject to a report, with a particular focus on the characteristics of ethnicity and gender.
Regulatory Decisions Report (Annual, 2024)
In October 2024, we published the latest of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers. For historic reports, please see here.
Coroner’s Court Competences and Toolkit - Evaluation report (2024)
An evaluation was carried out to determine the extent to which the competences for practitioners in the Coroners' Courts and the associated toolkit published in 2021 have met the overarching objectives of the initial project. Evaluation work looked at awareness of these resources at the Bar and among key stakeholders and whether they have contributed to improving standards in the Coroners’ Courts.
Transparency Rules Evaluation – Impact on the Profession (2021)
In October 2021, we published a report on the impact of the Bar transparency rules on the profession. The Bar transparency rules are designed to improve the information available to the public before they engage the services of a barrister and to help them find the information they need to make informed decisions about barristers’ services. While most barristers’ practices have complied with the rules, the report reveals that compliance testing in 2020 and 2021 shows that there were still a significant minority who were not fully compliant with the rules.
Statistical analysis of the outcomes of complaints about barristers (2021)
In July 2021, we published a statistical analysis of the outcomes of complaints made about barristers in England and Wales, and the likelihood of barristers being subject to a complaint, between January 2015 and October 2019.
Assessment of the current regulations of the provision of PII to barristers (2016)
Published in April 2016. The BSB commissioned Oxera to undertake an economic analysis of the current regulatory arrangements for the provision of professional indemnity insurance (PII) to barristers, in the context of the thematic review by the Legal Services Board (LSB) on the provision of PII to legal services providers. This analysis informed the BSB's consideration of regulations concerning the obligation to take primary PII cover from the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF).
Research into the Public Access Scheme (2016)
Published in April 2016. Findings from a survey of public access barristers commissioned jointly by the BSB and the Legal Services Board (LSB) provide a detailed picture of the current provision of legal services through the public access scheme, perceptions about the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and of the impacts of recent reforms.
Complaints at the Bar: An analysis of ethnicity and gender (2016)
Published in January 2016 - A statistical report which analyses three years of data to investigate factors contributing to differences across gender and ethnicity in the numbers of complaints made, and the outcomes of complaints. The BSB has been monitoring these issues since 2007 but the report analyses the data in greater depth than previously.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (2024)
We are responsible for the supervision of barristers and BSB entities under the Money Laundering Regulations. Regulation 46 requires us to publish an annual report containing information about supervision activity undertaken to encourage the reporting of actual or potential breaches of the Regulations and measures carried out to monitor, and enforce, compliance by barristers and BSB entities with their obligations. For historic reports, dating to 2020-21, please visit our archive.
Thematic Review: Financial Sanctions at the Bar (2023)
We published a thematic review of sanctions compliance focused on 31 chambers that are members of the Commercial Bar Association. Generally, we found that barristers were aware of the risks of unwittingly engaging with a designated person without a licence and that they were taking a cautious approach to compliance. We also found examples of good practice which we would encourage all barristers and their chambers or entity staff to consider regardless of their area of practice.
2025
Regulatory Action Diversity Analysis Report (2025)
In March 2025 we published research analysing the outcomes of reports regarding barrister conduct received and processed1 by us. By reports, we mean concerns about the conduct of a barrister that are reported to us. This research details how likely barristers are to be subject to a report, with a particular focus on the characteristics of ethnicity and gender.
Bar Training statistics on enrolment, results, and student progression overall (2025)
In January 2025 we published a report containing statistics on overall enrolment, results and trends in vocational training to become a barrister. It also contains statistics on student progression onto pupillage in England and Wales.
Report on Diversity at the Bar 2024
Published in January 2025. Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales.
2024
The Bar - Public Awareness and Confidence - (2024)
In March 2024, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) commissioned Ipsos, a leading independent market research agency, to conduct a survey of a representative sample of British adults aged 16-75, along with a booster sample of 200 responses specifically for Wales. The aim of this survey was to improve our understanding of public awareness and confidence in the Bar and its regulation by the BSB and to seek to measure the effectiveness of our efforts to communicate and engage with the public. A total of 2047 responses to the survey were received.
Report on Diversity at the Bar (Annual, 2024)
Published in January 2025. Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales.
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB (Annual, 2024)
Published in January 2025. Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB.
Pupillage recruitment research (2024)
Two reports (and two research summaries) on pupillage recruitment at the Bar. The objective of this research was to strengthen our evidence base around pupillage recruitment to inform the development of the BSB’s policies, including our forthcoming consultation on the Equality Rules.
Bar Training Reporting (2024)
We publish two reports on Bar Training, one concerning statistics by course provider, and one that focuses on enrolment, results and student progression overall.
- Bar Training Statistics by Course Provider (Annual, 2024)
- Bar Training Statistics on enrolment, results and student progression overall
Regulatory Decisions Report (Annual, 2024)
In October 2024, we published the latest of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers. For historic reports, please see here.
Coroner’s Court Competences and Toolkit - Evaluation report (2024)
An evaluation was carried out to determine the extent to which the competences for practitioners in the Coroners' Courts and the associated toolkit published in 2021 have met the overarching objectives of the initial project. Evaluation work looked at awareness of these resources at the Bar and among key stakeholders and whether they have contributed to improving standards in the Coroners’ Courts.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (2024)
We are responsible for the supervision of barristers and BSB entities under the Money Laundering Regulations. Regulation 46 requires us to publish an annual report containing information about supervision activity undertaken to encourage the reporting of actual or potential breaches of the Regulations and measures carried out to monitor, and enforce, compliance by barristers and BSB entities with their obligations.
2023
Bar Training Reporting (2023)
We publish two reports on Bar Training, one concerning statistics by course provider, and one that focuses on enrolment, results and student progression overall.
- Bar Training Statistics by Course Provider (Annual, 2023)
- Bar Training Statistics on enrolment, results and student progression overall (2023)
Report on Diversity at the Bar (Annual, 2023)
Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales.
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB (Annual, 2023)
Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (2023)
We are responsible for the supervision of barristers and BSB entities under the Money Laundering Regulations. Regulation 46 requires us to publish an annual report containing information about supervision activity undertaken to encourage the reporting of actual or potential breaches of the Regulations and measures carried out to monitor, and enforce, compliance by barristers and BSB entities with their obligations.
Regulatory Decisions Report (Annual, 2023)
In 2023, we published the latest of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers.
Evaluation of the BSB's Bar Training Reforms (2023)
This report is based on surveys and interviews, and looks at how the Future Bar Training (FBT) reforms are being implemented. It gives an overview of training pathways and how they have been received, and also outlines how vocational training providers have changed their approach to delivering Bar training, including by adopting more online delivery, greater flexibility for students, and some providers offering a ‘two-step’ vocational training component.
2022
Bar Training Reporting (2022)
We published a report on Bar Training concerning statistics by course provider.
Report on Diversity at the Bar (Annual, 2022)
Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales. Historic versions of the report, dating to 2015, are available here
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB (Annual, 2022)
Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (2022)
We are responsible for the supervision of barristers and BSB entities under the Money Laundering Regulations. Regulation 46 requires us to publish an annual report containing information about supervision activity undertaken to encourage the reporting of actual or potential breaches of the Regulations and measures carried out to monitor, and enforce, compliance by barristers and BSB entities with their obligations.
Regulatory Decisions Report (Annual, 2022)
In 2022, we published the latest of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers.
Transparency Rules Evaluation – Impact on Consumers (2022)
In July 2022 we published a Report to explore the impact on legal consumers of the transparency rules that were first introduced in 2019, by looking at a number of key indicators relating to the objectives of the rules.
Vocational Training Providers – Equality and Diversity Policies and Practices (2022)
In August 2022 we published a Report looking at Bar training providers’ approaches to equality and diversity. We also worked with YouGov to publish a Report on students’ experiences on Bar training courses. See also the Research Summary and the Technical Report.
2021
The BPTC Key Statistics Report (2021)
Part 1 includes overall trends; Part 2 includes statistics on full-time students; Part 3 includes statistics on part-time students; and Part 4 includes statistics on student progression for those that pass the BPTC.
The 2021 Report: All parts, Covering Note, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices
Report on Diversity at the Bar (Annual, 2021)
Annual report based on the latest available diversity data for the Bar. The BSB has a statutory responsibility to monitor and promote equality and diversity both as an employer and as the regulator of barristers in England and Wales. Historic versions of the report, dating to 2015, are available here
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB (Annual, 2021)
Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing (2021)
We are responsible for the supervision of barristers and BSB entities under the Money Laundering Regulations. Regulation 46 requires us to publish an annual report containing information about supervision activity undertaken to encourage the reporting of actual or potential breaches of the Regulations and measures carried out to monitor, and enforce, compliance by barristers and BSB entities with their obligations.
Regulatory Decisions Report (Annual, 2021)
In 2021, we published the latest of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers.
Transparency Rules Evaluation – Impact on the Profession (2021)
In October 2021, we published a report on the impact of the Bar transparency rules on the profession. The Bar transparency rules are designed to improve the information available to the public before they engage the services of a barrister and to help them find the information they need to make informed decisions about barristers’ services. While most barristers’ practices have complied with the rules, the report reveals that compliance testing in 2020 and 2021 shows that there were still a significant minority who were not fully compliant with the rules.
Evaluation of the performance of the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) over time (2021)
The BCAT was introduced in 2012-13 as a mandatory test which must be passed prior to enrolment on the vocational stage of training for qualification as a barrister in England and Wales. The intended function of the BCAT is to act as a valid and reliable filter to enrolment on vocational training for qualification as a barrister. This is a report which we published in September 2021 detailing research into how well the BCAT is performing at its intended function following on from changes to the pass mark implemented in 2016.
Pre 2021 Research and Analysis
Equality and Diversity Monitoring for Reports to the BSB ( 2007-2020)
Annual analysis of the characteristics of those barrister subject to reports, and those who reported to the BSB.
2020
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - reporters
2019
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants/reporters
2018
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants
2017
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants
2016
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants
2015
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants
- Complaints diversity analysis
2014
-Equality Monitoring - barristers
-Equality monitoring - complainants
2013
- A diversity review of the BSB's complaints system by Inclusive Employers
2007 - 2011
- Research report on the diversity of barristers subject to complaints
Regulatory Decisions Reports
In November 2020, we published the first of our Regulatory Decisions Report. They provide an overview of the wide range of decisions taken by us in relation to our regulatory operations, and legal and enforcement work. This include areas such as investigations and disciplinary action, the supervision of chambers, and the authorisation of education and training providers.
2019-20 Regulatory Decisions Report
2019-20 Regulatory Decisions Statistical Report
Enforcement Reports
These annual reports take a more in-depth look at our enforcement work during the year in question. They were replaced in 2019-20 by the Regulatory Decisions Report with has a broader scope to reflect our new and more holistic approach to regulatory decision-making which began in 2019.
2018-19
- Enforcement Statistical Report
2017-18
- Enforcement Statistical Report
2016-17
- Enforcement Statistical Report
2015-16
2014-15
- Enforcement Statistical Report
2013-14
- Enforecement Statistical Report
2012-13
2011
2010
2009
The BPTC Key Statistics Report
Part 1 includes overall trends; Part 2 includes statistics on full-time students; Part 3 includes statistics on part-time students; and Part 4 includes statistics on student progression for those that pass the BPTC.
The 2020 Report: All parts, Covering Note,Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices,
The 2019 Report: All parts, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices
The 2018 Report: All parts, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices
The 2017 Report: All parts, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices
The 2016 Report: All parts, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Appendices
The 2015 Report: All parts
Bullying, Discrimination, and Harassment at the Bar (2020)
Published in October 2020, this qualitative study undertaken by YouGov explored experiences of bullying, discrimination and harassment at the Bar, and what can be done to address these issues.
Review of Pupillage and Selection Criteria (2019)
Published in January 2019. Research undertaken by the BSB focusing on the recruitment and advertising of pupillages as part of the Future Bar Training (FBT) programme. The research consisted of a content analysis of advertisements on the pupillage recruitment portal (Pupillage Gateway), and an analysis of the selection criteria used by around 50 chambers in assessing the suitability of candidates who apply for pupillage with them. The research was undertaken with the aim of getting a better understanding of recruitment practices in the profession to help inform the FBT policy programme.
Consumer Behaviour and Attitudes towards Price and Service Transparency (2018)
Published in September 2018. Research commissioned by the BSB to explore how consumers make decisions when searching for barristers, and to test how consumers respond to different methods of presenting price and service information. The research was carried out by YouGov and London Economics and involved online focus groups with 22 members of the public who had used a barrister in the last two years, and an online behavioural experiment with a nationally representative sample of 1,316 participants.
Women at the Bar: Research exploring solutions to promote gender equality (2018)
Published in May 2018. A report exploring solutions to promote gender equality. The BSB announced how it intends to work with the profession to make further progress in eliminating the discrimination, harassment and other unfair treatment of female barristers.
Judicial Perceptions of the Quality of Criminal Advocacy (2018)
Published in June 2018 by the BSB and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, this research explores the views of the judiciary on the current quality, provision and regulation of advocacy within the criminal court. The research was carried out by the Institute for Criminal Policy Research of Birkbeck, University of London, and involved in-depth interviews with 50 High Court and circuit judges. The findings suggested that while judges viewed the current quality of advocacy as competent, some felt that standards were declining in some areas, especially in relation to core courtroom skills such as case preparation and dealing with some witnesses.
The Operation of the Qualified Persons Rule (2018)
Published in July 2018. A report exploring the effectiveness of the BSB's rules that require newly qualified barristers with less than three years' standing to have readily available access to an experienced practitioner - a Qualified Person (QP) - for support and guidance. The research investigated the level and type of support received or provided as part of the arrangement, the frequency of contact between barristers and QPs, and views on the usefulness and proportionality of the arrangement.
Summary of Research Findings
Family Law Clients Research report (2017)
In July 2017 the BSB published the findings of its research with people who have used barristers' services during family legal proceedings. The findings show that most of those who took part in the research were positive about the service they received from their barrister.
Provision of legal services by barristers (2017)
Published in May 2017. The report contains the results of an online survey conducted in September and October 2016 with barristers about the future delivery of legal services. The survey found that while there are examples of "new and innovative" business models in the market, the prevailing business model for barristers is a traditional chambers.
Web sweep: transparency of online price information (2017)
A May 2017 report based on the findings of a web-sweep exercise which assessed how many websites of barristers' chambers published information about their prices. The findings inform a wider programme of work on price transparency in response to the recommendations of the Competition and Market Authority market study of legal services (2016).
Research into Client Care Letters (2016)
Published in November 2016. Research commissioned jointly by legal regulators and the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) shows that Client Care Letters are often not as effective as they should be in making sure that clients understand the work that is being carried out on their behalf, or in outlining what is required of them. The report identifies principles to help legal services providers better communicate with their clients. The research involved qualitative methods with recent and prospective users of legal services, including a series of mini-groups, face-to-face depth interviews and a workshop.
A July 2016 report on women's experiences at the Bar. The women, at the time of being surveyed, held a current practising certificate. The BSB asked them about how the equality rules were working, since being implemented in 2012.
Research into the Public Access Scheme (2016)
Published in April 2016. Findings from a survey of public access barristers commissioned jointly by the BSB and the Legal Services Board (LSB) provide a detailed picture of the current provision of legal services through the public access scheme, perceptions about the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and of the impacts of recent reforms.
Assessment of the current regulations of the provision of PII to barristers (2016)
Published in April 2016. The BSB commissioned Oxera to undertake an economic analysis of the current regulatory arrangements for the provision of professional indemnity insurance (PII) to barristers, in the context of the thematic review by the Legal Services Board (LSB) on the provision of PII to legal services providers. This analysis informed the BSB's consideration of regulations concerning the obligation to take primary PII cover from the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund (BMIF).
Complaints at the Bar: An analysis of ethnicity and gender (2016)
Published in January 2016 - A statistical report which analyses three years of data to investigate factors contributing to differences across gender and ethnicity in the numbers of complaints made, and the outcomes of complaints. The BSB has been monitoring these issues since 2007 but the report analyses the data in greater depth than previously.
Youth Proceedings Advocacy Review (2015)
Published in November 2015. Mixed methods research commissioned jointly by the BSB and Cilex Regulation highlights the damaging effects that poor advocacy has on access to justice for young and often very vulnerable offenders, and their perceptions of the system in general. Whilst recognising there were examples of good practice amongst advocates appearing in youth court proceedings, the overriding view of those who participated within the research was that standards of advocacy were not at the level that the public should expect.
The Bar Barometer presents data for the main stages of training for the Bar and for those in practice. As well as using data from the Bar Council's membership records, this report also uses data from the Bar Standards Board's Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) providers' monitoring data and the Pupillage Supplementary Survey. (Last in series, please refer to our statistics pages for up-to-date information on the life cycle of the Bar).
Barristers' Working Lives A second biennial survey of the Bar (2013)
Barristers' Working Lives reveals the results from the second biennial survey of the Bar. It is jointly published by the Bar Standards Board and the Bar Council.
Report on diversity of barristers subject to complaints (2013)
This report is divided into two parts: the first explains the history of our diversity monitoring of the complaints and disciplinary system, summarises the trends revealed and sets out the action the Bar Standards Board is taking to address potential areas of disparity of treatment. Part 2 sets out the detailed analysis of the complaints diversity data for the five year period 2007-2011.
Bar Barometer full report (2012)
The Bar Barometer presents data for the main stages of training for the Bar and for those in practice. As well as using data from the Bar Council's membership records, this report also uses data from the Bar Standards Board's Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) providers' monitoring data and the Pupillage Supplementary Survey.
This paper compares the demographic, socio-economic and educational profiles of pupillage applicants from 2009 with registered pupils in 2011.
Perceptions of criminal advocacy (2012)
A report by ORC International evaluating the current perceptions of the standards of criminal advocacy.
Barristers' Working Lives - A Biennial Survey of the Bar (2011)
The 2011 survey of the Bar gave practising barristers the opportunity to describe their current work situation and future career plans, and give their views about their life at work and their profession. This is the first in a planned series of biennial surveys, and as such gives not only a fascinating insight into barristers' working lives, but also a baseline which will enable changes over time to be tracked.
Bar Barometer full report (2011)
Bar Barometer presents data for the main stages of training for the Bar and for those in practice. As well as using data from the Bar Council's membership records, this report also uses data from the Bar Standards Board's Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) providers' monitoring data and the Pupillage Supplementary Survey.
Trends in the profile of the bar, pilot statistical report March 2011
Survey of Barristers Changing Practice Status 2001 – 2010 (2011)
The General Council of the Bar has been concerned for some time about the
disproportionately high number of female practitioners who leave practice relative to the number of male practitioners. With a view to gaining some understanding of the reasons for this, the General Council of the Bar in 2005 commissioned a survey of individuals who had ceased subscribing or changed their practice status between 2001 and 2005. The survey was repeated in 2007 and annually in subsequent years.
An analysis of students enrolled on the 2010/11 Bar Professional Training Course BPTC (2011)
BPTC statistical report, prepared by Bar Council Research Department, June 2012. This report presents an analysis of the data relating to the backgrounds of those students who enrolled on the BPTC in the academic year 2010-11 and supplied monitoring data to the BPTC providers.
Pupillage supplementary survey 2010/11 (2011)
An analysis of the backgrounds of pupils registered in 2010/11
An analysis of students enrolled on the 2010/11 Bar Professional Training Course (2011)
Bar professional Training Course statistical data.
Business Structures Survey (2010)
We commissioned YouGov to undertake a survey of barristers and clerks to gauge opinion on new business structures and their regulation.
Pupillage Portal Survey (2010)
This paper presents the profile of pupillage applicants who have applied through the 'Pupillage Portal' (OLPAS) online system in 2010. This will include the profile of applicants' equality and diversity strands, including information on their socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
An analysis of full-time students enrolled on the 2009/10 BPTC (2010)
Statistical report on BPTC applicants.
BPTC full-time students 2009-10 (2010)
This report presents an analysis of the data relating to the backgrounds of those students who enrolled on the full-time course in the academic year 2009-10 and supplied monitoring data to the BVC/BPTC providers. The data contained within this report was supplied by each of the course providers at an aggregate level. The data supplied to the BSB by providers is anonymous.
BPTC applicants 2009-10 (2010)
This paper presents the profile of applicants to the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) who applied in October 2009 to January 2010. This includes the equality and diversity strands monitored and socio-economic background of applicants.
Pupillage Survey 2009-10(2010)
The Pupillage Supplementary Survey is administered on an annual basis in order to enable monitoring of the various equality, diversity and fair access objectives of the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board. This report presents an analysis of the backgrounds of those registered by the Bar Standards Board to undertake pupillage during the period 1 October 2009 to 30 September 2010.
Chambers monitoring pilot scheme (2009)
The report details the approach adopted, the results of the pilot and puts forward
recommendations and suggestions for how a Chambers monitoring scheme could be advanced.
Review of the Bar Vocational Course (2008)
This report of the working group chaired by Derek Wood QC reviews the role of the Bar Vocational Course within Bar training.
Ipsos MORI - perceptions of barristers (2007)
The research reveals the views and experiences of today's Bar from
consumers, barristers, solicitors and others. We believe it forms an important body of evidence, both for the Board in developing regulatory responses to the problems identified, and for the profession in maintaining its reputation for quality.
