New research highlights a disparity in public confidence towards barristers, particularly among ethnic minorities.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) commissioned an annual survey to understand public awareness and confidence in barristers. This research, conducted by Ipsos Mori, involved 2,047 adults and aimed to build an evidence base for the BSB. It revealed that while public confidence in barristers is generally high, it is notably lower among ethnic minorities and those from the C2DE social grades.
Among legal professionals, police officers and solicitors are most recognised by the public, with 99% and 98% awareness respectively. Barristers and judges follow closely with a 97% recognition rate. However, roles such as legal executives and paralegals are less known, with 87% and 85% awareness rates respectively, while McKenzie Friends are only recognised by 24% of respondents.
The survey explored public confidence in four key areas of a barrister’s role: acting in clients’ interests, providing competent service, maintaining integrity, and treating everyone fairly. Confidence was highest in the first two areas, with 78% expressing trust, while confidence in integrity and fair treatment without discrimination was slightly lower at 75% and 70% respectively.
Notably, those who had personally used barristers, had higher incomes, belonged to the ABC1 social grades, or were acquainted with someone in the legal sector reported higher confidence levels. Conversely, confidence was significantly lower among C2DE social grades and ethnic minorities, with only 62% of minority respondents believing barristers treat everyone fairly without discrimination.
Despite most people believing barristers are regulated, half of the respondents were unaware of the BSB. Only 18% knew anything about it, and 71% did not know if it was independent of the Bar Council. This indicates a gap in public understanding of barristers’ regulation.
Communications director Wilf White acknowledged these findings, highlighting the need to raise awareness about the BSB’s role and its independence. He noted the importance of reassuring the public about the BSB’s regulatory function, despite some understanding already existing.
In related developments, Wilf White is leaving the BSB due to a restructuring aimed at improving performance. The BSB is focusing on six core functions, including strategy, regulatory standards, and enforcement. This comes amid scrutiny from the Legal Services Board.
The survey’s results underscore the need for better public awareness around the regulation of barristers, especially concerning perceptions of fairness towards ethnic minorities.
