Sexual harassment and bullying can have a serious and lasting impact on individuals, professional relationships and the wider Chambers environment. Addressing this behaviour is essential to maintaining trust, wellbeing and professionalism at the Bar.
Reach out to Sarah, our dedicated Training Manager to discuss your Chambers’ training needs
Effective training plays a critical role in helping Chambers prevent misconduct, respond appropriately when issues arise, and foster a culture of respect and accountability.
The ABC Preventing Sexual Harassment and Bullying training module has been written by Benjamin Gray of Littleton Chambers and is designed specifically for the unique structure and culture of Chambers. It equips barristers, pupils and Chambers support staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognise inappropriate behaviour, understand their responsibilities, and take appropriate action when concerns arise.
The importance of this training is reinforced by clear legal and regulatory obligations. The Bar Standards Board Code of Conduct requires barristers and Chambers to prevent and address harassment and bullying, while the Equality Act 2010 makes sexual harassment and workplace bullying unlawful. Failure to address these issues can lead to disciplinary action, reputational damage and legal liability, as well as serious harm to individuals’ wellbeing and mental health.
The need for decisive action has been highlighted by Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent report into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar. Drawing on evidence from hundreds of barristers, pupils and Chambers staff, the report concludes that such misconduct remains widespread and frequently unreported, creating a culture of “impunity” and “collusive bystanding”. The review makes 36 recommendations for reform, including mandatory anti-bullying and anti-harassment training, stronger standards and policies across the profession, and a greater role for Chambers in prevention, education and accountability.
This training responds directly to those concerns by supporting Chambers to take an active role in cultural change. It focuses on preventing abuse of power, addressing inappropriate conduct from both internal and external sources, and promoting a professional environment in which concerns can be raised safely and taken seriously.
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Devised with the busy life in Chambers 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.
Benjamin Gray, called in 2011, Benjamin Gray is an experienced specialist in employment, sport and commercial law cases. His clients include prominent PLCs, Central Government departments and high net worth individuals. His caseload ranges from employee misconduct and internal investigations through discrimination, harassment, whistleblowing, unfair dismissal, TUPE disputes, restrictive covenants and employee competition. Benjamin is a member of the Attorney General’s London B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown, a Recorder and a Deputy District Judge.
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