This is the second report of its type by the Bar Standards Board since the way regulatory decisions were made was reformed. The report finds that between April 2020 and March 2021 the number of reports and applications for exemptions substantially increased. This coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bar Standards Board has increased proactive supervision and support of the profession, focusing on key areas such as pupillage and bullying. Part of the this report has been to understand the impact of the pandemic on the profession and find out where support is most needed.