Bar Standards Board releases annual report

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has published its Annual Report for the 2025-26 business year, detailing performance and developments from April 2025 to March 2026. Notably, the volume of reports concerning barristers surged by 29%, which has affected efficiency and timeliness targets.

Phil Golding, the Director General, stated that “we are committed to improving the service we provide by focusing on delivering across all our front-line services to meet our targets and reduce our backlogs." He emphasised the necessity to manage within a well-structured budget, pledging to modernise processes and enhance stakeholder relationships. Golding’s outlook reflects the BSB's current focus on stabilising and improving performance across its operations.

Throughout this period, the BSB has endeavoured to establish operational excellence and create an effective regulatory system, aspiring to cut the unit cost of its operational work significantly. Their strategy is clear: “to regulate less, better”. The report emphasises ongoing changes and improvements but acknowledges the need for further action, especially as Golding settles into his new role.

Looking ahead, the BSB aims to demonstrate strong progress in fulfilling undertakings made to the Legal Services Board. The organisation also plans to address the findings of the Harman Review regarding bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment within the profession. The introduction of a new Education and Training Committee indicates a renewed commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability in legal training.

Strengthening operational capacity and managing existing backlogs are priorities for the upcoming year. There is a commitment to improving resource utilisation as well, alongside fostering cultural change in collaboration with the Bar Council and the Conduct Commissioner. “We recognise there is more to do,” Golding noted, while emphasising the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement to enhance operational effectiveness.

Professor Christopher Bones, the Chair of the BSB, expressed a similar sentiment: “A key priority in the year ahead is to meet our targets and to eradicate our operational backlogs." He praised the team for their dedication amid the challenges faced last year. As the BSB navigates these issues, its focus remains on improving service quality and adherence to the professional principles outlined in the Legal Services Act 2007.

The forthcoming year is crucial for the Bar Standards Board, as it aims to reset regulatory performance and ensure that those entering the legal profession are equipped with the high standards necessary to thrive in an evolving landscape.