Lady Chief Justice’s response to the Independent Review of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination at the Bar
Today (Monday 8 September 2025) an Independent Review of Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination at the Bar by Baroness Harriet Harman KC has been published. The review was commissioned by the Bar Council.
The review makes a number of recommendations for the Bar Council, judiciary and other bodies to consider.
The Rt Hon the Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales said:
“I welcome the Bar Council’s focus on this important issue.
“While the majority of judges behave professionally and courteously, Baroness Harman’s review refers to too many examples of judicial bullying.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable and should have no place in our justice system.
“I am clear that the senior judiciary does not seek to excuse or minimise bullying by judges. I am absolutely committed to a modern, diverse and inclusive judiciary that upholds our values of integrity, fairness and respect to all.
“We have clear standards of behaviour expected from all judicial office holders, which is supported by training and support for judges at all levels, particularly those with leadership responsibilities. We have been focussing on judicial conduct in and out of court for many years.
“But we know we have more to do. We are currently reviewing the routes available to raise concerns and resolve issues and working to challenge and change unacceptable behaviour. We need to give those who experience bullying, harassment or discrimination the confidence to speak up knowing that something will be done and that their own career will not suffer.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Bar Council on solutions. We share the same goal of ensuring our justice system is underpinned by a culture where all legal professionals can thrive, grow and maintain the highest standards of integrity.”
Further information:
- A Statement of Expected Behaviour sets standards expected of all judicial office holders. This is included in the Judicial Guide to Conduct and the Equal Treatment Bench Book. The statement sets out standards of behaviour expected from all judicial office holders, in and outside the hearing room, and towards each other, staff and the public. The statement sets out judicial office holders’ shared responsibility to help foster a positive working environment where diversity is recognised and valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
- From 2022, inclusion training has been rolled out for all courts and tribunal judges and coroners.
- Judicial diversity and inclusion strategy and health and wellbeing strategy, published in 2020 include measures to build inclusive and respectful culture.
- Questions on bullying, harassment and discrimination were included in the Judicial Attitude Survey in 2024 as well as expanded questions on welfare, inclusion and leadership to increase understanding and inform strategies.
- The following work is underway to address bullying, harassment and discrimination:
- Reviewing the formal and informal routes available to raise concerns and resolve issues; ensuring they are effective, accessible and well-understood.
- Further developing resources and training to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination.
- Strengthening support, through resources and training, to judges with leadership responsibilities to support informal resolution of workplace conflicts, encourage reflection and openness to feedback and support them in setting an example and role modelling behaviours.