Bar Standards Board Independent Support Service

Have you or are you considering raising concerns about bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment, with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) or are you a witness in a case? If so, you can access the Independent Support Service.

We understand that regulatory proceedings can be challenging, and you might want to talk to someone about how you are feeling. You can contact us Monday-Friday between 8am and 6pm (excluding bank holidays) on 0300 140 0094. Calls are charged at local rates.

If you would like more information about how we can support you, please call us and we can explain the service.

Is this support for me?

We can support you:

  1. If you are considering raising concerns about bullying, harassment or sexual harassment with the BSB, we can provide you with information on the process and offer you a call to provide support.
  2. Once the concerns have been assessed by the BSB and referred for onwards action, the BSB may refer you for ongoing support from us.

Support is available at any stage of the process, including once a decision at disciplinary tribunal has been reached, so that we can support you with the outcome.

You can talk to us about how you are feeling as well as the impact the process is having on you. We can support and guide you through what can be a difficult time and help you to navigate the process.

We can discuss any areas of your life affected by the process and help you to identify where you may need practical help and advice.

Our service is free, independent, confidential and non-judgemental.

If we believe that you or others are at immediate risk of harm, we may need to contact the BSB and/or other authorities.

We cannot offer legal advice or give updates on your BSB case but do have knowledge of the process. Your named BSB contact is the best person to speak to if you have specific questions about your case.

When you contact the service a trained member of our dedicated casework team will discuss your specific needs and explain what the service can offer.

If you have any requirements regarding access to the service, please inform us directly or tell your caseworker at the BSB.

You will be allocated a caseworker who will be your consistent point of contact through the process.

We recognise that your needs may change as the case progresses, and contact may need to become more or less frequent. Our support is tailored to each person so this will be something you can discuss directly with your caseworker to decide what works best for you.

Please call the Independent Support Service on 0300 140 0094.

Where can I find further information about the BSB’s approach to bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment?

For general information about the BSB, please visit the The Bar Standards Board website.

For specific information relating to raising concerns and bullying and harassment professional misconduct proceedings, please visit the following pages on The Bar Standards Board website: