Bar Standards Board business plan targets enforcement delays, investigation backlogs and culture reform across the bar
The Bar Standards Board has set out its regulatory priorities for 2026–27, focusing on improving enforcement processes, reducing operational delays and supporting culture change across the Bar as part of a wider programme to strengthen regulatory performance and public confidence in the profession.
The regulator said the business plan will guide its work during the year ahead while it prepares a new multi-year strategy setting the longer-term direction of regulation at the Bar.
A central priority in the 2026–27 business plan is improving the efficiency and timeliness of enforcement activity and authorisation decisions.
The BSB said it will continue work to reduce backlogs affecting investigations and applications while ensuring regulatory decisions remain fair, proportionate and transparent. Strengthening operational delivery across supervision and enforcement functions forms a key part of the regulator’s wider programme to improve performance.
The regulator also plans to consult on changes to its enforcement regulations designed to streamline disciplinary processes while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
Professional culture at the Bar remains a major focus of the regulator’s work programme following concerns identified in the Harman Report. The BSB said it will continue working with representative bodies and stakeholders to support improvements in working environments and professional behaviour across the profession. This includes ongoing engagement on equality, bullying and harassment issues affecting barristers and chambers.
The regulator confirmed that maintaining professional competence remains central to its strategy through continued implementation of its Assuring Standards Programme, which monitors competence throughout barristers’ careers. This includes reviewing continuing professional development requirements and ensuring that transferring qualified lawyers meet the standards expected of barristers practising in England and Wales.
Improving complaints handling at chambers level is another important priority identified in the business plan. The BSB is continuing work to strengthen first-tier complaints procedures and increase transparency around how complaints are managed before escalation to formal disciplinary processes. These measures are intended to improve consumer confidence and promote better service standards across the Bar.
The business plan confirms that advancing equality, diversity and inclusion remains a strategic priority. The regulator will continue reviewing equality rules and monitoring diversity data across the profession as part of its wider work to address structural barriers affecting career progression and professional experience at the Bar.
Alongside operational priorities for 2026–27, the BSB is developing a new multi-year strategy that will shape regulation of the profession over the coming period.
The strategy will respond to changes in legal services delivery, consumer expectations and the wider justice system environment, supported by research and stakeholder engagement.
The regulator also confirmed it will continue work to improve transparency for consumers by expanding access to regulatory information and supporting the development of clearer quality indicators about barristers’ services.
This forms part of wider efforts to help the public make informed decisions when accessing legal services and strengthen confidence in the regulatory framework governing the Bar.