Before a barrister may accept Public Access instructions, he MUST have complied with Continuing Professional Development Regulations. At present, although barristers are no longer required to return a record card to the Bar Standards Board annually, there is a requirement to undertake the set number of hours and keep cards up to date.
New CPD arrangements will apply from 1st January 2017:
– Barristers no longer have to complete a minimum number of hours, and there will be increased flexibility in the types of CPD activities that can be undertaken;
– There is no longer a requirement to complete accredited hours;
– The BSB will assess compliance by taking into account CPD activity in previous years; and
– The focus on the regulation of CPD will not be on disciplinary action but on ensuring that the CPD requirements
– role of the supervision team in setting Corrective Action for non-compliance has been formalised. Have increased flexibility in the types of CPD activities you can complete
The BSB will continue to conduct random spot checks, and those with a history on non-compliance should expect to be selected.
On discussing implementation of the new regime, BSB Director of Supervision Oliver Hanmer said: “It will allow barristers to complete training that is relevant to their careers, ensuring maximum value for time and money. We are keen to make sure that CPD is not just a ‘tick box’ exercise.”
For HJT training programme please visit www.hjt-training.co.uk
1 comment on “Continuing Professional Development (CPD)”
The course content was delivered with the benefit of experience and authority, but the power point presentation could hardly have been described as seamless, with constant resorting to internet searches for information which could have been pasted into the presentation.
The day. although long, was enjoyable and the number of students was sufficiently small to enable relaxed interaction, whilst enabling a broad range of experiences to be shared. The course venue was convenient and comfortable.
The on-line test material is not well set out, with inconsistent numbering and insufficient breaks between questions. It also contains some typographical errors. However, the ability to get an immediate mark was most welcome.