Training Module
Effective pupil supervision is one of the most important responsibilities a barrister can undertake. This comprehensive course equips both new and experienced pupil supervisors with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality supervision, support professional development, and meet the Bar Standards Board’s regulatory requirements.
Designed for both first-time pupil supervisors and those completing their mandatory refresher training, this practical course explores every stage of the supervisory journey, from preparing for a pupil’s arrival through to assessment, feedback and sign-off. It provides clear guidance on the Professional Statement, the role of the AETO, equality and diversity obligations, pupil wellbeing, giving effective feedback, conducting fair assessments, and creating an inclusive learning environment where pupils can thrive.
Packed with practical examples, real-life scenarios and reflective exercises, the course goes beyond theory by providing a suite of downloadable templates that can be implemented immediately within chambers. These include self-reflection forms, professional colleagues’ feedback forms, advocacy feedback forms, assessment and review templates, and a competences tracker mapped to the Professional Statement, giving supervisors practical tools to support fair, consistent and effective pupillage management from day one.
Reach out to Sarah, our dedicated Training Manager to discuss your Chambers’ training needs
Pupillage is a formative stage in a barrister’s career, and the quality of supervision can have a lasting impact on a pupil’s confidence, development and future practice. Effective supervision is about far more than overseeing work: it is about creating the right environment for pupils to learn, ask questions, receive constructive feedback and develop the skills, judgement and confidence they need to thrive at the Bar. Investing in your skills as a supervisor helps you give your pupils the best possible start while ensuring you are confident in your own responsibilities and regulatory obligations.
Written by a leading practising barrister and designed in line with Bar Standards Board requirements, this course combines regulatory knowledge with practical, real-world guidance that reflects the realities of modern chambers. With instant, 24-hour online access, it can be completed flexibly and at your own pace – whether you are preparing to supervise your first pupil, completing your mandatory refresher training, want to ensure your knowledge remains up to date, or need to refresh your skills at short notice before welcoming a pupil or mini-pupil into chambers.
Accessible on the go and supported by practical, ready-to-use resources, the course makes it easy to stay on top of your responsibilities without adding unnecessary pressure to an already busy practice. It is designed not simply to help you meet the required standard, but to help you become the best supervisor you can be – giving you the confidence, tools and knowledge to provide a fair, supportive and genuinely valuable learning experience.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
The module combines clear explanations, interactive demonstrations, legal examples and practical checklists designed specifically for chambers
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This course is ideal for all barristers who supervise, or intend to supervise, pupils. It satisfies the Bar Standards Board’s requirements for both initial pupil supervisor training and mandatory refresher training, while providing practical resources that can be adopted immediately within chambers.
This comprehensive course equips both new and experienced pupil supervisors with the knowledge, skills and confidence to provide high-quality supervision, support professional development, and meet the Bar Standards Board’s regulatory requirements.
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.
This course has been written by Saara Idelbi, a leading barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and a Legal 500 Leading Junior in Administrative Law and Human Rights, Court of Protection and Community Care, and Inquests and Inquiries. As a member of both the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel and the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s B Panel of Counsel, and a Fee-Paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber), Saara combines exceptional legal expertise with extensive experience in advocacy, public law and judicial decision-making. Renowned for translating complex legal and regulatory requirements into practical, accessible guidance, she has developed this course to give pupil supervisors the confidence, knowledge and tools to supervise effectively in modern chambers.
You’re in good hands!
