The Bar of Ireland’s Voluntary Assistance Scheme (VAS) is pleased to announce its in-person and online CPD taking place on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.
1 CPD Point
The event will consist of a fireside panel, with three perspectives of advocacy offering attendees the opportunity to explore ways by which they can become involved in activism, either through grassroots organisations and community groups, or working with NGOs and charities.
Organisations who work with the VAS are engaged in activism, with particular emphasis on asserting, protecting and advancing the rights of marginalised groups. This CPD considers the road to activism taken by a leading human rights activist, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, and considers the type of work involved in grassroots organisations and the impact this work can have.
Many barristers who undertake work on behalf of the VAS have also queried the level to which they can involve themselves in activism. Seán O’Sullivan BL, activist barrister and member of the Professional Practices Committee of the Bar of Ireland, will provide guidance to practitioners on the limits, if any, which the code of conduct imposes on them in this regard and can answer specific queries from attendees.
Finally, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties will discuss the kind of activism practitioners and others can provide to NGOs and the impact this has on wider society.
Following the event, attendees are invited to the Sheds for drinks and take the opportunity to meet some of the VAS Committee members who can tell you about getting involved with the VAS as a practitioner, or the kind of assistance which we can provide to your organisation.