Baroness Harman KC’s Report on Bullying and Harassment at the Bar

Today, the Bar Council published Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent report into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar. The report, which draws on testimony from hundreds of barristers, pupils and chambers staff, concludes that misconduct remains widespread and often unreported, creating what Baroness Harman describes as a culture of “impunity” and “collusive bystanding.”

The review sets out 36 recommendations for decisive and radical reform.

Key proposals include:

• Mandatory anti-bullying and anti-harassment standards, policies and training across the profession.
• The creation of a Commissioner for Conduct to tackle misconduct.
• An overhaul of the complaints system, with stronger support for victims.
• A ban on sexual relations between barristers and pupils, mini-pupils or those undertaking work experience in chambers.

Taking Responsibility in Chambers

One clear theme from the report is the urgent need for chambers themselves to play an active role in prevention, education and accountability. Training, standards and cultural change are essential to shift the burden away from victims and towards perpetrators.

Chambers across the profession are taking steps to ensure safer, more respectful working environments. Our training module ‘Preventing Sexual Harassment & Bullying’ written by Benjamin Gray, Littleton Chambers is designed to support those efforts with practical, chambers-specific guidance. Click here to find out more.

Looking Ahead

The Harman report makes for difficult but essential reading. It is a reminder that misconduct cannot be ignored, minimised or left to victims to address alone. For the Bar to uphold its highest standards, every chambers will need to reflect on the findings and take action – through stronger policies, open discussion, and meaningful training.

Honouring the Voices that Made this Report Possible

We want to recognise the bravery and resilience of all those who came forward to share their experiences with the review. Their voices have shed essential light on behaviours that for too long have been minimised or ignored. We extend our thanks to Baroness Harman KC and her team for handling such a difficult subject with care, and to the Bar Council for commissioning this vital work and driving forward change in the profession. Above all, we pay special tribute to the victims whose courage makes progress possible.

In particular, we acknowledge barrister Eve Robinson, who has spoken publicly about her ordeal. By sharing her story, Eve has given visibility to the realities too many have faced in silence, and her strength will help ensure that the profession cannot look away.

Where to go for support on Bullying & Harassment

• Talk to Spot: The Bar Council’s confidential tool for recording incidents of harassment.
• Speak to the Bar Council: email the equality and diversity team in confidence for support and advice
• Call the Assistance Programme: Call 0800 169 2040 or visit the Wellbeing at the Bar website.
• Get in touch with LawCare: the mental health charity for the legal sector. Volunteers provide free and confidential emotional support. Call 0800 279 6888 or visit the LawCare website.
• Stop it campaign: Chambers and organisations employing barristers are encouraged to download and display the Bar Council’s Talk to Spot posters in bathrooms and other shared areas.