Legal Services Regulation: Modernisation of decision making process in Professional Conduct Matters contemplated by Bar Standards Board

The Bar Standards Board (“BSB”) has recently launched a public consultation in respect of proposed changes regarding how it deals with the information it receives as a regulator and to revise its decision-making structures in relation to professional conduct issues. Amongst other proposals, the BSB proposes the establishment of a new Independent Decision-Making Body consisting of a pool of 30 lay and barrister members from which panels of three or more will be nominated... The Bar Standards Board (“BSB”) has recently launched a public consultation in respect of proposed changes regarding how it deals with the information it receives as a regulator and to revise its decision-making structures in relation to professional conduct issues. Amongst other proposals, the BSB proposes the establishment of a new Independent Decision-Making Body consisting of a pool of 30 lay and barrister members from which panels of three or more will be nominated to take individual regulatory decisions. According to the proposal, this Independent Decision-Making Body will replace the BSB's Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) which currently consists of 32 lay and barrister members. It is anticipated that the Independent Decision-Making Body would also take over the role of the current Authorisations Review Panels in dealing with challenges to staff decisions on individual applications for authorisation and waivers from Handbook requirements. The consultation closes on 31 May 2018 and can be accessed here.