Gough Square Chambers is committed to being an anti-racist organisation.
Gough Square Chambers fully endorses and applauds the work of Bar Council in this area, and is concerned by the findings set out in “Race at the Bar: A Snapshot Report” published in November 2021. There is no place for racism in any aspect of life. All practitioners at the Bar, prospective practitioners, members of the public involved in the legal process and those employed in the legal profession are entitled to be treated, and should be expected to treat others, without discrimination.
Gough Square Chambers recognises that more can be done at the Bar to promote inclusivity and is committed to being a part of this process.
In this respect Gough Square Chambers:
- Has zero tolerance for any form of racist behaviour;
- Has arranged, and paid for, Race Diversity Training for members of Chambers and its staff;
- Requires all members of staff and those in a management role in Chambers to undertake appropriate Equality and Diversity training;
- Is committed to ensuring that its application process is open and accessible to all, and is designed to attract talent from all backgrounds;
- Participates in the Bar Council’s ‘Bar Placement Scheme’;
- Requires Equality and Diversity to be discussed at every meeting of the Management Committee and to be taken into account in all Chambers management decisions;
Gough Square Chambers’ Management Committee and Equality and Diversity Officers will take responsibility for ensuring that Chambers’ zero tolerance approach to racism is fully reflected in Chambers’ day to day activities.