Regulatory Action Diversity Analysis Report (2025)
In March 2025 we published research analysing the outcomes of reports regarding barrister conduct received and processed 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.
