Those barristers who are on the New Practitioners Programme are required to undertake 45 hours of accredited CPD, including nine hours’ Advocacy and three hours’ Ethics, during their first three years of practice. Those who have not completed the forensic accounting course during pupillage will also be subject to this requirement as part of their New Practitioners Programme.

The New Practitioners Programme commences from 1 January following commencement of practice and all practitioners are required to submit an annual record card to our offices. Under the New Practitioners’ Programme, CPD hours can only be obtained by undertaking accredited events/courses. Those barristers who are on the Established Practitioners Programme are required to undertake 12 hours of CPD per calendar year, of which at least four hours must be accredited.

If you are unsure whether you are on the New Practitioners Programme or the Established Practitioners Programme, or have any other queries about your requirements, please contact the compliance team as a matter of urgency at CPDRecords@BarStandardsBoard.org.uk