New Bar Standards Board director general Phil Golding to take post after Mark Neale’s retirement
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has appointed Phil Golding as its new director general.
Golding will take up the role on 1 July, succeeding interim arrangements led by Steve Haines following the retirement of Mark Neale.
He joins from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, where he has served as chief executive since October 2022. Prior to that, he was chief executive of the Law Commission.
Golding has also held a number of senior roles within the Ministry of Justice, including head of the Senior Presiding Judge’s Office and operational leadership positions within HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
His appointment comes at a time of continued focus on regulatory effectiveness and stakeholder engagement within the legal sector, with the BSB responsible for overseeing the conduct and standards of barristers in England and Wales.
Commenting on his appointment, Golding said: “I am delighted to be returning to the legal sector, where I have spent the majority of my career.
“I look forward to supporting and helping the Bar Standards Board to be an effective and efficient regulator that delivers in the public interest. I am keen to prioritise building strong relationships with our stakeholders at what is an important time for the legal sector.”
The BSB said the appointment follows a competitive recruitment process and reflects its focus on strengthening leadership as it continues to develop its regulatory approach.