University of Hertfordshire's authorisation with the Bar Standards Board

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has decided to allow the University of Hertfordshire to recommence its vocational Bar training course from September 2024. This decision follows a variation in the University’s authorisation by the BSB in August 2023, which had temporarily halted course delivery.

Over the past year, the BSB has collaborated with the University to ensure that the necessary improvements were implemented. The University has made significant efforts to meet the required standards, and the BSB acknowledges this considerable work. Moving forward, the BSB will continue to closely monitor the course delivery to ensure compliance with the mandatory requirements outlined in the Authorisation Framework and to ensure that students receive proper support.

This development marks a positive step for the University of Hertfordshire, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high standards in legal education and training.

The vocational Bar training program covers essential subjects that equip students with the specialist skills, procedural knowledge, and competence needed to prepare for a career as a barrister. This program is one of three training components required for professional qualification.

Professor Penny Carey, Dean of Hertfordshire Law School, expressed her satisfaction: “We have been working extremely hard and very closely with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) to respond to their recommendations and ensure all necessary requirements are met. We are delighted these efforts have paid off, and look forward to reintroducing BSB accredited, vocational Bar training for our students from this September. Our focus firmly remains on increasing much-needed accessibility and diversity within the legal profession, and we look forward to continuing to work with BSB to ensure the long-term, successful delivery of this objective.”

Measures Taken by Hertfordshire Law School

To meet BSB requirements, the Law School has implemented several key measures:

• New Course Design: Additional delivery time has been integrated to better prepare students for the centralised assessments.
• Enhanced Skills Teaching: Over 40 hours of classes focusing on advocacy and conference skills, the flagship skills of the program.
• Intensive Revision Support: Dedicated pastoral support for students retaking assessments.
• LawTalk Student Partnership Programme: This initiative supports academic and professional development, with peer support continuing throughout the training year.
• Enhanced Personal Tutoring: A bespoke professional development program to support students individually.

The BSB has recognized the considerable work undertaken by the University to ensure compliance with the necessary standards. The Board stated, “We will continue to closely monitor course delivery to ensure that the University is complying with the mandatory requirements in the Authorisation Framework and that students are properly supported.”

The resumption of the vocational Bar training program at the University of Hertfordshire marks a significant step forward in legal education, enhancing accessibility and diversity within the profession and ensuring high standards of training for future barristers.