Former minister Dame Maria Miller will lead efforts to tackle bullying and harassment at the Bar
Former Cabinet minister and ex-Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee Dame Maria Miller has been appointed as the first ever Commissioner for Conduct at the Bar Council, following an independent review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.
The appointment was announced on 20 January 2026 and follows a wide-ranging review led by Harriet Harman, which described an “unsustainable situation” within the profession and set out 36 recommendations for reform. The Bar Council commissioned the review after surveys revealed rising numbers of barristers reporting or witnessing inappropriate behaviour.
One of the central recommendations was the creation of an independent Commissioner for Conduct to oversee the implementation of reforms, provide advice and ensure standards are consistently upheld. Dame Maria, who takes up the role this month, will now lead that work.
In her new position, Dame Maria will be responsible for promoting a safe, respectful and professional culture at the Bar. Her duties include handling reports of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment involving barristers under an agreed protocol with the Bar Standards Board, liaising with the judiciary and the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, and providing confidential support to those affected.
She will also play a central role in developing best-practice policies and training, clarifying reporting routes for complainants and bystanders, monitoring data and trends, and driving implementation of the Harman Review recommendations across the profession. The Bar Council has accepted all 36 recommendations and established six work streams to deliver the reforms.
Dame Maria’s appointment has been welcomed by Bar Council Chair Kirsty Brimelow, who said she would bring authoritative guidance and be a trusted point of contact for those working in and around the Bar. Baroness Harman also endorsed the appointment, saying the role was critical to protecting victims and the reputation of the profession.
Speaking on her appointment, Dame Maria said she was honoured to become the Bar Council’s first Commissioner for Conduct and described the creation of the role as a clear demonstration of the Bar’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Dame Maria was awarded a damehood in 2022 for her work on equality matters. Since leaving Parliament in 2024, she has chaired a number of organisations, including the domestic abuse charity SafeLives.