*/
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned the controversial quality assurance scheme for advocates (QASA).
After six years, several delays and consultations and an unsuccessful judicial review by the profession, the BSB finally announced that it will not implement QASA.
Following a review, the BSB said it has decided to take a new approach in line with its risk and evidence based regulatory regime, which encourages barristers to take greater responsibility for their own learning and development.
BSB Chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘This in no way should be seen as a reduction in the BSB’s commitment to ensure that the public has access to good quality barristers. It is rather a reflection of our willingness to adapt and change our regulatory approach so as best to deliver our strategic objectives.’
Welcoming the decision, Bar Chair, Andrew Langdon QC, said: ‘The birth of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates was not celebrated by many and its death will be mourned by fewer.’
He said: ‘It is well known that many barristers were unhappy with the proposed scheme, not least because it risked placing both advocates and judges in a problematic position, given their respective roles during a trial.
‘Similarly, the Bar does not recognise that the concept of a “plea only advocate” was compatible with the role of defence counsel.’
QASA’s demise, Langdon said, allows space for the Bar itself, including through the work of each of the Bar Council, the Inns, the College of Advocacy, the Circuits and the specialist Bar associations, to reinforce standards in a more flexible and proportionate way.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has abandoned the controversial quality assurance scheme for advocates (QASA).
After six years, several delays and consultations and an unsuccessful judicial review by the profession, the BSB finally announced that it will not implement QASA.
Following a review, the BSB said it has decided to take a new approach in line with its risk and evidence based regulatory regime, which encourages barristers to take greater responsibility for their own learning and development.
BSB Chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘This in no way should be seen as a reduction in the BSB’s commitment to ensure that the public has access to good quality barristers. It is rather a reflection of our willingness to adapt and change our regulatory approach so as best to deliver our strategic objectives.’
Welcoming the decision, Bar Chair, Andrew Langdon QC, said: ‘The birth of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates was not celebrated by many and its death will be mourned by fewer.’
He said: ‘It is well known that many barristers were unhappy with the proposed scheme, not least because it risked placing both advocates and judges in a problematic position, given their respective roles during a trial.
‘Similarly, the Bar does not recognise that the concept of a “plea only advocate” was compatible with the role of defence counsel.’
QASA’s demise, Langdon said, allows space for the Bar itself, including through the work of each of the Bar Council, the Inns, the College of Advocacy, the Circuits and the specialist Bar associations, to reinforce standards in a more flexible and proportionate way.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie report from the Bar Council’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates exploring practice development opportunities for the England and Wales family Bar
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
David Wurtzel analyses the outcome of the 2024 silk competition and how it compares with previous years, revealing some striking trends and home truths for the profession
Save for some high-flyers and those who can become commercial arbitrators, it is generally a question of all or nothing but that does not mean moving from hero to zero, says Andrew Hillier
