Change to barrister CPD
The Bar Standards Board have announced changes to CPD requirements for barristers.
In the future, barristers will no longer need to return CPD record cards to the BSB – although they must still undertake their set number of hours and keep their record cards up-to-date. Instead, the BSB will conduct random spot-checks of CPD cards and those barristers selected must produce their record card for assessment. Barristers may also be selected for spot-checking if they have a history of non-compliance with CPD obligations or other regulatory requirements.
Those who fail to undertake their required hours will need to complete their outstanding hours. If they still fail to do so they may be referred to the BSB’s Professional Conduct Department for enforcement action.
The BSB has stressed that this announcement affects all practising barristers including those undertaking CPD through the Established Practitioner Programme (i.e., those with more than three years’ practising experience) or the New Practitioners Programme (i.e., those with fewer than three years’ practising experience).
Head of Quality at the Bar Standards Board, Oliver Hanmer, said:
“This is a move towards smarter regulation. By no longer requiring barristers to return record cards for inspection, we can save time and money but most importantly focus our resources on the small number of barristers who do not keep their training up-to-date.
Our aim is to become a more modern and efficient regulator which focusses on proportionate, evidence-based regulatory activity.”
The BSB will no longer be processing CPD record cards – including those that have already been submitted. Please note that even if barristers have submitted their 2013 record card and received an email confirmation from the BSB, they may still be selected for spot-checking.
Further information can be found on the BSB web site.