Diversity: barristers told to act on under-representation




Barristers' chambers hoping for instructions from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be expected to have an equality and diversity code in place, the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced.



Sir Ken Macdonald QC said chambers must have a written policy statement addressing issues such as pupil recruitment, retention and career development, training and equal access to work. They should also have a timetabled action plan to implement the policy and a designated equal opportunity officer.



The CPS wants sets to monitor staff, applicants and appointees for pupillage, and membership by disability, ethnicity and gender. The prosecution authority, which spends £130 million a year on external legal services, will expect chambers to address under-representation of particular groups and, where appropriate, take positive action to do so.



Chambers' performance against the statement will be monitored every one to three years, depending on size, by each circuit's joint advocates selection committee.



Sir Ken said: 'First and foremost we want to use advocates of talent and ability. But this means advocates of talent and ability from all communities.



'People have a legitimate expectation that those prosecuting on behalf of the CPS will work to equality and diversity standards.'



Bar Council chairman Geoffrey Vos QC welcomed the statement, which he said mirrored much of what the bar already has in place. 'The bar has made every effort to promote equality and diversity in chambers. It is an essential aspect of the profession,' he added.



Catherine Baksi