Bar Council Appoints First Bar Standards Board Chief

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

18 November 2005

The Bar Council of England and Wales on Wednesday announced the appointment of Ruth Evans, former Chief Executive of the National Consumer Council, as the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board, the new body to oversee the regulation of barristers in the wake of forthcoming legal services reforms.

Ruth Evans, who is also Chairman of the Standards Committee of the General Medical Council, was selected by an independent selection panel.

Speaking following her appointment, Ms Evans observed that:

"It is essential that the public have access to legal services that are efficient and effective, and that lawyers work to the highest standards. My job will be to communicate and lead the Bar Standards Board work in the public interest."

"Regulation across the professions is undergoing radical reform in the UK. Consumers, barristers and the public need to be confident that a robust, modern and effective regulatory framework is in place which builds on the rule framework already governing the conduct of barristers."

She concluded:

"I am looking forward to this new role enormously. A new regulatory body for barristers is a critical part of the agenda for the reform of legal services to put consumers first."

As a response to the review by Sir David Clementi and the recent White Paper on legal services, the Bar Council is splitting its regulatory functions from its representative functions.

From 1st January 2006, the Council's regulatory functions will be overseen by a new Bar Standards Board supported by four regulatory committees, all with significant lay membership. The full Board will number 15 (including the Chairman and Vice Chairman) of whom 7 are to be lay members.

Following Ruth Evans' appointment, the Bar Council is undertaking a rigorous and transparent recruitment process for members of the Board, which will involve significant lay input.

Recommended