Independent Reviewer

Are you keen to make a contribution to the regulation of barristers?  

The Bar Standards Board (BSB), the independent regulatory body for barristers in England and Wales, is seeking a second Independent Reviewer to provide assurance and review functions in relation to our regulatory decision making.   

The organisation

The BSB regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest. We are responsible for:

• setting education and training requirements; 

• setting standards; 

• authorising organisations; 

• monitoring the service provided; and 

• assessing reports about conduct.

The Independent Reviewer will work jointly with our current Independent Reviewer. They will report to our Governance, Risk and Audit Committee (GRA) and will work closely with our Contact and Assessment, Enforcement, and Supervision Teams.  

Key responsibilities include assurance of the BSB's assessment of incoming information, enforcement and supervision systems and processes; carrying out requests for review of individual decisions; and periodic system audits of random samples of cases to give assurance that the processes and procedures are being properly followed. 

The successful candidate will have: the ability to understand and analyse compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; to analyse and make robust, reasoned recommendations on complex and/or sensitive issues; and an understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity best practice.  In addition, the successful applicant will have excellent written communication and drafting skills, strong inter-personal and communication skills, and the ability to work proactively and independently. Experience of complaints handling in the context of professional regulation and a knowledge of the Bar, the legal system and its structures are desirable. However, the role is open to both lay people and legal professionals – a legal qualification is not required but would be advantageous. 

The appointment will be for an initial period of three years. The post holder will not be employed by the BSB but will be expected to enter into a consultancy agreement for services with the BSB. 

The post will be paid at a rate of £308 per day or £154 per half day (plus VAT, if relevant). The expected time commitment is, on average, 1.5 days per week, over 46 weeks in a 12-month period. The role will be mainly home based, with remote working facilities provided by the BSB, but attendance at the BSB office will be required from time to time.  

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the News & publications page of our website here.

We welcome applications from all people who meet the role requirements regardless of background and particularly encourage those from groups that are currently underrepresented in our independent decision-making processes such as women, and members of the LGBT, disability and BME communities. 

If you have any queries, please contact Jeanette Fordyce-Harvey at JFordyce-Harvey@BarStandardsBoard.org.uk or telephone number 0207 611 1422 in the first instance to arrange an informal discussion.  

Please send completed applications to: BSBapplications@BarStandardsBoard.org.uk

Closing date for applications:  9am Monday 11 July 2022.

Interviews will take place in London on 4 or 5 August 2022.  The dates may change, including the possible addition of other dates, depending on interview panel and applicant availability.

Induction and training will take place in September 2022.