Training Module
EDI training is not just a compliance requirement – it is a fundamental step towards ensuring fairness, respect, and inclusion in the legal profession. By fostering a culture of equality, barristers and chambers can build a more ethical, effective, and respected legal system.
Reach out to Sarah, our dedicated Training Manager to discuss your Chambers’ training needs
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training is not simply a regulatory requirement; it is a core element of ethical and professional practice within Chambers. By promoting fairness, respect and inclusion, barristers and Chambers can help create a working environment that supports high standards of conduct, effective decision-making and public confidence in the legal profession.
The ABC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training module has been developed specifically for Members of the Bar, pupils and Chambers support staff. It is designed to ensure that everyone within Chambers understands their responsibilities in relation to Equality and Diversity, can recognise inappropriate conduct, and is able to apply good EDI practice confidently in day-to-day working life.
The module provides a clear and practical overview of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the unique context of the Bar. It covers key legal obligations, protected characteristics, prohibited conduct, positive action, bias and regulatory duties, including the relevant provisions of the BSB Handbook and BSB Equality and Diversity Rules. It also addresses recruitment, equality monitoring, the role of Diversity Data Officers, fair access to work, and responding appropriately to bullying, discrimination and harassment from both internal and external sources.
ABC also offers a Foundation Course for very junior staff who are beginning their careers in Chambers. This provides an accessible introduction to Equality and Diversity in the workplace and is an effective way to ensure that expectations and good practice are understood from the outset.
Numerous “Chambers real life” scenarios are given throughout the module to demonstrate how the legal obligations and regulatory requirements might play out in a Chambers-specific context, to help address challenges that are unique to barristers and the Chambers world.
Plus
*ABC also have a separate module “Preventing Sexual Harassment and Bullying in Chambers” which deals with this topic in greater depth. If Chambers are part of the ABC Training Partnership, this module will be available without additional charge.
Specifically designed for the unique world of Chambers, our training is authored by two barristers who practice in Employment Law and have particular expertise in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and was written especially for other barristers and Chambers support staff.
Devised with the busy barrister in mind. The content can be accessed on demand, 24/7. The total running time including the quiz is designed to be 45 minutes – which can be undertaken in manageable sections if preferred.
On demand content that is succinct and easily digestible, and training that can be completed even on the move – and can be left if interrupted and rejoined later on a different device if necessary.
The ABC training portfolio provides an unmatched combination of Chambers-specific training written by expert barristers practicing in that field; a user-friendly and easy to navigate e-learning platform, and a training provider renowned for its client-focussed and friendly approach.
Kerry Gardiner, called in 2006, is a specialist Employment and Discrimination barrister, practising from Guildhall Chambers.
She acts for both Claimants and Respondents across the full spectrum of Employment Law, including unfair, constructive & wrongful dismissal, redundancy, Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE), whistleblowing, breach of contract and discrimination.
As well as representing clients in employment tribunals and judicial mediations, Kerry is frequently instructed to appear in the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
Anna Williams was called in 2019 and is a member of Guildhall Chambers. She specialises in Employment & Discrimination law and has experience in all aspects of these fields. She has been instructed to appear in multi-day employment tribunal proceedings and regularly appears in appeals before the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
In addition to practice, Anna undertakes extensive academic work in the fields of employment law and contract law.
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