Bar Standards Board

Bar Standards Board

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers in England and Wales. If there is a complaint of misconduct about a practising barrister who may have breached the barristers Code of Code the matter will be referred to the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) of the BSB who will investigate the matter. If the PCC believes there is enough evidence against the barrister it may then refer the matter a Disciplinary Tribunal of the Council of the Inns of Court who have the power to disbar a barrister.

The BSB will also intervene in matters where a barrister is considered unfit to practise due to ill health. In this case it will convene a Fitness to Practise panel who will investigate the matter and determine whether a barrister is unfit to practise and if so what restrictions should be imposed on this right to practise.

See Practice Note: Bar Standards Board—Assessment and Investigation of Reports which explains the role of the PCC of the BSB. It deals with its general powers and functions, the PCC's powers before investigation of complaints received from persons other than BSB and the

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