*/
THE Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has consulted the profession on outline proposals for revising the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) process for the selection of selfemployed advocates. The proposals were drawn up following lengthy discussions between the Bar Council and CPS about the new Panel Scheme which the CPS wishes to introduce.
The proposals would see the current advocates’ lists replaced with a smaller panel, for cases at levels two to four (with lists broadly maintained for level one). There would be an open competition for advocates to join the panel; a clear focus on quality as part of the selection criteria and a greater opportunity to prosecute for those who secure a place. One criticism of the current system is that many on the existing lists are rarely or never instructed. An important aspect of the proposed scheme is the creation of a stable relationship between the CPS and the Bar for the foreseeable future, which addresses key issues such as quality, volume of work, and size of panel.
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, said:
“The proposals reflect a new understanding between the Bar and the CPS and a real desire to build a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. In these difficult economic times concessions, necessarily, have been made on both sides to enable us to move towards the current position. It is now important that the views of the Bar are considered and, in the light of those responses, to continue our dialogue with the CPS on a positive footing”.
Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions said:
“Ensuring that all prosecution advocates meet the high standard necessary to deliver justice is a top priority for both the CPS and the Bar Council. We have jointly developed this proposal for a system that will improve quality by allowing the self-employed bar access to prosecution work through a competency based application process and by moving to smaller panels of advocates who will focus on high quality prosecution work alongside our in-house advocates. We now look forward to examining the views of practising barristers on this proposal and our discussions with the Bar Council will move forward in due course.”
The Attorney General, the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP said:
“We are in a period of fundamental review; an opportunity for root and branch reform. I commend both the CPS and Bar Council for this approach and I am looking forward to them using all their professional skills, creativity and innovation to deliver the core prosecution services which the public needs, to an even higher standard.”
The proposals would see the current advocates’ lists replaced with a smaller panel, for cases at levels two to four (with lists broadly maintained for level one). There would be an open competition for advocates to join the panel; a clear focus on quality as part of the selection criteria and a greater opportunity to prosecute for those who secure a place. One criticism of the current system is that many on the existing lists are rarely or never instructed. An important aspect of the proposed scheme is the creation of a stable relationship between the CPS and the Bar for the foreseeable future, which addresses key issues such as quality, volume of work, and size of panel.
Nicholas Green QC, Chairman of the Bar Council, said:
“The proposals reflect a new understanding between the Bar and the CPS and a real desire to build a solid foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. In these difficult economic times concessions, necessarily, have been made on both sides to enable us to move towards the current position. It is now important that the views of the Bar are considered and, in the light of those responses, to continue our dialogue with the CPS on a positive footing”.
Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions said:
“Ensuring that all prosecution advocates meet the high standard necessary to deliver justice is a top priority for both the CPS and the Bar Council. We have jointly developed this proposal for a system that will improve quality by allowing the self-employed bar access to prosecution work through a competency based application process and by moving to smaller panels of advocates who will focus on high quality prosecution work alongside our in-house advocates. We now look forward to examining the views of practising barristers on this proposal and our discussions with the Bar Council will move forward in due course.”
The Attorney General, the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP said:
“We are in a period of fundamental review; an opportunity for root and branch reform. I commend both the CPS and Bar Council for this approach and I am looking forward to them using all their professional skills, creativity and innovation to deliver the core prosecution services which the public needs, to an even higher standard.”
THE Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has consulted the profession on outline proposals for revising the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) process for the selection of selfemployed advocates. The proposals were drawn up following lengthy discussions between the Bar Council and CPS about the new Panel Scheme which the CPS wishes to introduce.
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Reviews by Daniel Barnett
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
